Oklahoma Police Continue to Seize Millions from Motorists

Jimmy and Jabrion Hardin were cruising down Interstate 44 just south of Vinita when flashing blue and red lights appeared behind them.

The brothers, en route from Texas to their native Illinois, didn’t think they would be a target of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol vehicle camped out on the shoulder. They weren’t speeding. Their brand-new pickup truck couldn’t possibly have a broken taillight or brake light.

Trooper Seth Hudson cited an improper lane change from the highway to the toll booth as the reason for the stop, but he didn’t write a citation or issue a warning. He wanted to search the vehicle because he smelled marijuana.