Iowa Pair Charged With Dealing Marijuana After Porter County Traffic Stop
Two Iowa residents, Hanna Paige Nail, 23, and Tyler Joseph Hippen, 28, have been charged in Porter County after police say a traffic stop on westbound I-94 led to the discovery of more than 500 grams of THC products, including vape cartridges, cannabis, THC gummies, edibles, wax, and other items, all packaged in dispensary packaging.
Police wrote that the stop occurred on November 17th, 2025, at approximately 1:12 p.m. near the 18.4 mile marker of I-94 westbound. According to the affidavit, officers observed a silver Chevrolet Malibu driving significantly below the posted 70 mph speed limit and disrupting the flow of traffic. After pacing the vehicle between 62 and 65 mph and observing a long line of vehicles forced to pass on the right, police initiated a traffic stop.
During the stop, the officer contacted the driver, identified as Hippen, and the passenger, identified as Nail. According to the affidavit, both individuals lit cigarettes as the window was rolled down, and Hippen claimed he believed the speed limit was 65 mph. Hippen told police they were returning home to Iowa and explained they had been in Michigan for a wedding. Police wrote that Hippen’s account changed multiple times, and Flock camera data later contradicted his statements, raising suspicion. The officer also reported smelling burned marijuana on Hippen’s person.
When questioned separately, Nail reportedly gave a vastly different story,telling police they were in Michigan visiting friends, shopping, and staying at a hotel. She did not mention a wedding and gave a different hotel name, further heightening officer concerns.
Police wrote that Hippen first denied having marijuana in the vehicle but then admitted there was “some” inside and produced a THC vape pen. After securing both individuals, officers conducted a probable cause search of the Malibu’s trunk and located a large quantity of THC and cannabis products, all in marked dispensary packaging. The court document lists the seized items as:
• 153 × 1-gram THC vape cartridges
• 11 × 2-gram THC vape cartridges
• 1 × 3-gram vape cartridge
• 40 × 2-gram THC gummies
• 14 × 2-gram THC candies
• 3 × 1-gram THC sodas
• 6 × 5-gram THC wax
• 2 × 70-gram cannabis packages
• 3 × 28-gram cannabis packages
• 9 × pre-rolled joints (15 grams)
• Multiple dispensary receipts listing both Nail and Hippen as customers
The total combined weight of all recovered THC/cannabis items was 526 grams (1.16 pounds), according to the affidavit. Police also located a notepad in the center console that appeared to be a ledger related to marijuana distribution.
After being read Miranda warnings, both Nail and Hippen declined further statements. They were transported to the Porter County Jail and booked.
Charges filed November 18,2025:
Hanna Paige Nail
• Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Tyler Joseph Hippen
• Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Both suspects are lodged in the Porter County Jail.
