Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009 5:01 pm

Three men have been arrested after Union City police witnessed what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction on Tuesday.
Officers reported they were patrolling Parkview Manor when they observed James Kinney, 44, of 1680 North Orchard, Union City, approach a vehicle, with nothing in his hands, and reach inside a vehicle.
As the officers approached, the driver, James L. Lee, 32, of 961 Michael St., Tiptonville, began to back up the vehicle. Officers got behind the vehicle and Lee stopped the car. Kinney was observed walking to the passenger side of the hood and Lee and his passenger, Leslie L. Brown, 34, of 140 North Royal St., Dyer, exited the car.
Officers then noticed Kinney cupping his left hand. He was told to drop the item, at which time he complied and dropped a “plastic bag corner of marijuana.”
When officers approached the vehicle to search it, they saw a Crown Royal bag open and on the passenger floor board. A $20 bill and a plastic bag with marijuana could be seen inside. Further investigation revealed 47 “dime bags” of marijuana, each holding 1.1 grams or 2.2 grams, for a total of 86 grams.
Brown denied knowing how the bag got there, but Lee told police Kinney dropped it in the car. The officers repeated in the report that they had witnessed Kinney walking to the vehicle with empty hands.
Brown’s cell phone also revealed text messages referencing marijuana, the report noted.
Brown and Lee were charged with possession with intent to sell marijuana and Kinney was charged with simple possession.
Published in The Messenger 6.26.09