CLARENCE, LA — Rory K. Gates, 64, of Winnfield, was arrested on January 5 following a traffic crash that led to the discovery of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
At approximately 12:52 p.m., NPSO deputies responded to a crash report on Hwy 6 near Clarence. Upon arrival, deputies found a 2021 Kia in a church parking lot after it had reportedly crashed. Gates, the driver, told deputies that he had dozed off while driving from Texarkana to Winnfield.
However, deputies noticed drug paraphernalia in plain sight in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Gates was on parole from a previous narcotics conviction.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 2.2 ounces of suspected crack cocaine, 7.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 3 grams of suspected marijuana, a digital weighing scale, and baggies commonly used to store illegal narcotics.
Gates was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of CDS I marijuana, possession of CDS Schedule II crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of CDS Schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center and remains in custody. The seized evidence will be sent for analysis at the crime lab.