On February 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM, Tompkins County Sheriff's Deputies initiated a traffic stop in Speedsville, Town of Caroline on a Toyota Highlander for having a suspended registration.
Deputies identified the driver as 35 year old Richard Wheeland of Newark Valley, NY. Deputies began interviewing Wheeland and discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Cortland County. Deputies also discovered that Wheeland was in possession of Methamphetamine as well as coins that were possibly stolen from burglaries in the Tioga County area.
Wheeland has been charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Misdemeanor), Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor) and multiple vehicle and traffic offenses. Wheeland was issued appearance tickets and turned over to the Cortland County Sheriff's Office to answer his outstanding warrant. The coins that Wheeland was in possession of, have been secured at the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office to determine if they are stolen property.
