On Wednesday afternoon State Trooper JF Jackson made a speeding stop on Highway 84.  He could smell marijuana and also spotted a small amount on the seat of the car and asked the driver to step out.

Cory Ballenger of Marietta was asked to step out of the car at which time Trooper Jackson asked Ballenger if he had anything on him and started to conduct a search.  Ballenger told the Trooper that he could not search him without a warrant.  With the marijuana on the seat, he continued his search.

Trooper Jackson discovered a baggie of marijuana in his pocket.  Discovered beside the driver's seat, in the door pocket of the vehicle, was a loaded Colt .22 cal semi-auto pistol.  The search of the vehicle also revealed a box of .22 cal ammunition, digital scales, a box of baggies, a pill bottle with marijuana and what appeared to be Darvocet IV.

Cory Edward Ballenger, 19, of Marietta, GA was charged with a number of charges including traffic offenses, possession of drug related objects, possession of firearm while trying to commit crimes, possession of marijuana with intent and DUI.