PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A 55-year-old man from California, is in custody in Pierre after giving a Patrol Officer a fake name during a traffic stop Saturday night (Sept. 21, 2024, approximately 9pm).
Information from the Pierre Police Department says a Patrol Officer witnessed a vehicle driving with no taillights on near the intersection of E. Elizabeth Street and N. Highland Avenue. The Officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who identified himself as 55-year-old Scotty Michaels of Modesto, CA.
As the investigation progressed, the driver ultimately admitted he had drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A pipe and a syringe were located in the vehicle, both of which tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Michaels was arrested and taken to the Hughes County Jail charged with possession of a controlled drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and ingestion of a controlled drug.
The next day/Sunday (Sept. 22, 2024), local law enforcement learned that Scotty Michaels was actually 55-year-old Michael Scott Hearon of Modesto, CA, and had multiple warrants out for his arrest. Hearon was then charged with false impersonation, possession of a controlled drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and ingestion of a controlled drug.