Staff Report

Michael Valenziano Binstock

WARSAW — A Columbia City man was arrested on several drug charges after a traffic stop.

Michael Valenziano Binstock, 60, 3271 W. Hill Drive, Columbia City, is charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; dealing marijuana, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Nov. 26, the Claypool Town Marshal was on patrol in the area of SR 15 and CR 300N when he was told about a suspected hit-and-run vehicle being investigated by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, the marshal saw the suspected hit-and-run vehicle pulling out of a restaurant’s parking lot. The officer pulled the vehicle over and identified the driver as Binstock.

The front of Binstock’s vehicle had damage consistent with the property damage crash described by KCSO. While speaking with Binstock, the marshal could detect the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Binstock denied there being any marijuana in the vehicle.

The marshal searched Binstock’s person and found a small bag containing marijuana, as well as a bag containing 1.1 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Binstock admitted to using methamphetamine and marijuana a couple hours prior to being pulled over.

The marshal also found a large bag containing 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, as well as $1,042 in currency, on Binstock’s person.

Upon searching Binstock’s vehicle, the marshal found a smoking pipe with methamphetamine residue and marijuana. While preparing Binstock for transport to the Kosciusko County Jail, a KCSO deputy found another bag of marijuana on Binstock’s person.

Binstock has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance.