Local man arrested on multiple charges

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  • Fermin Lafitta was arrested on August 1 for Trafficking, Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop. Courtesy photo
    Fermin Lafitta was arrested on August 1 for Trafficking, Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop. Courtesy photo
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A local man was arrested on August 1 on multiple charges. Madill Officer Gannon Reid was patrolling and observed a black Dodge Charger commit two traffic infractions. The driver, Fermin Lafitta, did not stop at the intersection, nor did he use a turn signal.

Reid initiated a traffic stop, and it immediately became interesting. Reid alleged that he “immediately smelled the odor most commonly known for the odor of marijuana.”

After Reid requested Lafitta’s license and insurance, he noted the suspect was visibly shaking. Reid inquired if Lafitta had a medical marijuana card because of the marijuana smell. Lafitta confirmed to Reid that he did not have a medical marijuana card.

Lafitta, a 19-year-old male from Madill, then shifted blame to another person. According to Reid, Lafitta stated he was bringing the marijuana to an Austin Maxey.

After checking for warrants, and none being found, Reid placed Lafitta under arrest and placed him in the backseat of his patrol vehicle. Once Lafitta was secured, Reid set to inventorying the car for other possible narcotics.

While attempting to inventory the vehicle, things became even more interesting. The suspect’s parents arrived on scene and began asking questions. Attempting to keep control of the situation, Reid informed the parents that their son’s car was being impounded. He also instructed them to leave the area of the traffic stop.

After a few failed attempts to get the parents to leave, Reid informed the pair that if they did not leave, he would arrest them for Obstruction. Apparently, that worked, because the parents left and Reid began inventorying the vehicle.

The first items that caught his eye were three small baggies with a white powdery substance. He also found a purple dispensary container with more small baggies and a few large baggies, each with a white powdery substance. Reid then found a black Glock pistol with the magazine in it.

Reid brought all the evidence and Lafitta to the Marshall County Jail where the suspect was booked in, and the evidence was entered into the system. The officer tested the powdery substance and it showed positive for Cocaine. After weighing the Cocaine, and the total weight was over 81 grams, more charges were added to Lafitta.

He is currently facing charges for Trafficking, Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm while Committing a Felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. An online search found no other Oklahoma priors.