Westminster Man Arrested Wednesday Evening on Drug Trafficking and Exposing a Child to a Drug Charge

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Ernest Wayne Hippensteal, 45, from Westminster, is in jail pending a bond hearing following his arrest for drug trafficking and exposing a child to drugs.

Ernest Hippensteal

The arrest occurred Wednesday during a traffic stop in the Earles Grove Community. Hippensteal was driving a white Ford F-250 with a minor as a passenger when he was stopped by a P.A.C.E. deputy for a traffic violation.

Deputies said consent was given for a vehicle search, leading to the discovery of Methamphetamine. The child was safely returned home, and Hippensteal was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Unlawful Exposure of a Child to Methamphetamine. The investigation is ongoing, and no information about the child will be released, according to Sheriff’s Officials.