A routine traffic stop for speeding early Thursday morning resulted in the arrest of a Rochester man on drug-related charges, according to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.
On March 12, 2026, at approximately 5:49 a.m., Marshall County Deputy Matt Geiger initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on US 31 near the intersection of Lincoln Highway. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 24-year-old Avery Gates of Rochester.
During the course of the traffic stop investigation, authorities discovered that Gates was in possession of marijuana (THC) as well as drug paraphernalia.
Gates was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was officially booked on criminal charges for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
According to the sheriff's department, Gates was issued a future court date and his cash bond was set at $255.00.
Readers are reminded that all criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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