Traffic stop leads to heroin trafficking, child abuse charges in Walton

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A DeFuniak Springs man is facing felony charges, including heroin trafficking and child abuse after a traffic stop in DeFuniak Springs uncovered drugs and a child in the back seat of the vehicle.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reported that deputies attempted to stop a car on December 11 at around 9:45 p.m. on Black Bass Boulevard after discovering it was registered to someone without a valid driver’s license.

According to a statement by the WCSO, the driver, identified as Nathan Scott Clark, 32, initially failed to stop, continuing at speeds of 30-35 miles per hour and even calling 911 to confirm he was being pulled over.

Mr Clark eventually stopped on Roberts Drive, reportedly doing so only after noticing another deputy approaching from the opposite direction. Deputies said they discovered a small child in the backseat of the vehicle and detained Clark, who claimed the car had been loaned to him, a statement later confirmed by the vehicle’s owner.

The WCSO said a search of the car revealed 39 pressed pills that tested positive for heroin. Deputies also said they recovered a scale from Mr Clark’s possession that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Clark has been charged with fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license (habitual offender), trafficking in heroin, child abuse, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $50,000.

The child in the vehicle was comforted at the scene and released to a caregiver, according to the WCSO.