Man accused of trying to bribe troopers during I-29 traffic stop

Platte County authorities have charged a 29-year-old man after he allegedly tried to bribe Missouri Highway Patrol troopers during a traffic stop Friday in which they found drugs and a handgun.

Stephen T. Medley of Tallahassee, Fla., allegedly offered troopers $2,000 in cash after he was stopped on Interstate 29 in northern Platte County. Medley was pulled over by troopers because the tint on his vehicle windows was too dark, said Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd.

According to court records, the trooper was parked in the highway median on I-29 at the 29-mile marker when he noticed Medley’s vehicle drive past him. The vehicle was traveling at the speed limit, but Medley slowed down when he spotted the trooper.

The trooper pulled over Medley a short time later.

Medley allegedly instructed the troopers to take “all his money and just let him walk away.”

Troopers found $2,092 in cash, about 2 pounds of marijuana, an ounce of cocaine and a loaded handgun. Medley allegedly gave a false name to the trooper who pulled him over.

Medley was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, unlawful possession of a weapon and bribery of a public servant. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison, Zahnd said.

This story was originally published August 29, 2016 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Man accused of trying to bribe troopers during I-29 traffic stop."