Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old Wesley Lyons of Edgewood, Maryland, and 37-year-old Nicole Cottingham of Abingdon, Maryland, for felony gun and drug charges following a traffic stop in Newark early this morning.
On December 12, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force were patrolling the area of Churchmans Road in Newark, which is an area where concerned residents have reported frequent drug use, violent crimes, and other quality of life issues. Detectives observed a black Acura RL with Maryland registration exit a hotel parking lot and begin traveling on Churchmans Road. A computer inquiry of the tag revealed the registration was expired. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Wesley Lyons, and the front passenger, identified as Nicole Cottingham. During the stop, a consensual search of the Acura led to the discovery of a loaded firearm, and two clear plastic bags containing approximately 120 grams of cocaine.
Lyons and Cottingham are convicted felons, which prohibits them from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Both were taken into custody and transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with the following crimes:
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited who also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Expired Tags
Lyons was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $70,050 secured bond.
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Cottingham was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $60,000 secured bond.
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