Traffic Stop Nets Drugs and Cash;

Involves Infant

            On Tuesday morning, June 1, 2010, at approximately 3:30AM, Sgt. David BeBeau of the Chippewa Falls Police Department stopped a motor vehicle for an equipment violation on River St. near Bridge St.  The driver and owner of the vehicle, Brandon L. McKeel, age 22, admitted to the officer that he had just smoked marijuana.  Mc Keel was subsequently arrested for 3rd Offense Operating a Motor Vehicle while under the Influence of an Intoxicant or Controlled Substance.  A search of his person following his arrest revealed marijuana and several hundred dollars in cash in a pocket.  A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of 2 ½ pounds of packaged marijuana, 208.5 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, over $3400 in cash, scales and drug packaging materials. Several packages of illegal drugs were located next to a car seat occupied by an 18 month old child.  The mother of the infant, Krista Harel, age 20, was also in the vehicle. 

            Information gathered during this traffic stop led the West Central Drug Task Force to the residence of McKeel and Harel, 2829 Blakely Ave. in the City of Eau Claire.

A search there netted an additional 1 ½ pounds of Psilocybin mushrooms and other drug paraphernalia.

            Following the traffic stop, Harel was arrested and charged with Child Neglect and a 2nd Offense Underage Alcohol Consumption offense.  McKeel was arrested and charged with 3rd Offense OWI as a felony, due to the passenger under 16 yrs old, Child Neglect and Possession of THC with Intent to Deliver. Both subjects were taken to jail. Additional charges are anticipated.

            The Chippewa County Department of Human Services was contacted and custody of the infant was placed with a grandparent.