By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A local man has been charged with possession of amphetamines with intent to sell after an illegal substance fell out of his pocket, leading police right to him.

According to police reports, on May 16, officers were dispatched to a casino in the Town of Port Edwards for a complaint of a suspicious item believed to be drug-related. Video surveillance revealed an individual, later identified as 32-year-old Eric Belton, walking through the casino when an item fell out of his pocket.

Police identified the substance as five individually wrapped pieces of foil in a small, clear bag containing methamphetamine. Later on, police located Belton and initiated a traffic stop in the city of Nekoosa in the area of Cedar St.

A digital scale was reported to have fallen from Belton’s person as he exited the vehicle. According to Belton, he had no idea what the officers were talking about when questioned about the found methamphetamine, and any drugs found belonged to a “friend.” Belton was out on bond at the time for a previous charge of methamphetamine possession.

If convicted, Belton faces up to 18 years and six month imprisonment, and up to $25,000 in fines. His next date in court is scheduled for May 26.