Hand Scars Helped Identify Man Accused of Using Another Person’s Name

JONESBORO, Ark. — A man was arrested after police said he used another person’s name during two separate traffic stops, including one where marijuana was found.

Demarion Morton was arrested on two counts of nonfinancial identity fraud, a Class C felony, and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

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According to a probable cause affidavit, a Jonesboro police officer conducted a traffic stop May 24 on a silver passenger vehicle for an improper window tint. During the stop, the driver identified himself as Damion Martin.

The officer reported smelling marijuana from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. Police said about 3 grams of marijuana were found in the driver’s pants pocket. The driver was issued a citation in Martin’s name for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, less than 4 ounces.

On June 3, Martin went to the Jonesboro Police Department and reported that he believed another person had used his identity during the May 24 traffic stop. Martin said Morton advised him that he had been stopped and identified as Martin, according to the affidavit.

An investigator later reviewed the original incident report and body camera footage. While reviewing the footage, police said the driver had distinctive scars on the top of his left hand. The investigator then reviewed photographs of both Morton and Martin and determined Morton, not Martin, was the person stopped May 24, according to the affidavit.

Police also confirmed Morton worked at Walmart, which matched statements made by the driver during the traffic stop, according to the affidavit.

On June 4, Morton was stopped again by law enforcement and again provided Martin’s name and identifying information, according to police. Officers confirmed the scars on Morton’s left hand, and he was arrested and taken to the Craighead County Detention Center.

During transport, police said Morton gave his real name and said he had used the other name because he did not have a driver’s license.

Bail was set at $35,000 cash or surety.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.