Delaware State Police
News Release

Traffic Stop Near Frederica Leads to Drugs and Stolen Car

Released – Saturday, March 01, 2008

Frederica – At approximately 7:28 p.m. on Thursday, February 28^th two Troopers were traveling northbound on US 113 in the area of Frederica Road when a 2005 Toyota Camry passed their unmarked patrol car at a high rate of speed. The car was observed traveling aggressively as it continued northbound swerving from one lane to another, failing to signal.

James Alex, 32, of the 900 block of North Franklin Street, Wilmington was contacted during a traffic stop.  While conducting the investigation into the erratic driving of Mr. Alex, he was seen with an open container of beer.

Troopers checked the vehicle incident to arrest and seized approximately three grams of a green leafy substance which appeared to by marijuana. A check of the vehicle through Motor Vehicle files revealed it was stolen out of Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Mr. Alex was taken into custody as well as passenger, Matthew R. Pennewell, 33, of the 800 block of Murrow Street, Wilmington for outstanding capias out of Kent County Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Pennewell was released on $200.00 unsecured bond.

James Alex, who is a registered sex offender out of North Carolina and Georgia, was formally charged by the State Police with: Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana (felony), Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances (felony), Tampering with Physical Evidence (felony), and other drug and traffic charges to include Driving Under the Influence.

Mr. Alex was arraigned on the charges and committed to Delaware Correctional Center in Smyrna on default of $25,500.00 cash bond.