ISP officer tells driver she has meth teeth

An Indiana State Police officer is facing criticism after a local motorist released an audio recording of a traffic stop last week.

Stephanie Foltz began recording her encounter with the officer after he stopped her for speeding Sept. 28 on Indiana 25.

In the recording, which has been viewed more than 40,000 times on YouTube, Trooper Thomas Manning can be heard accusing her of drug use based on her appearance.

Manning is employed by ISP's Lafayette post, said Lt. Tom McKee.

"When did you start smoking meth?" Manning asked during the traffic stop.

When Foltz said she has never smoked meth, the trooper asked, "OK, then what happened to your teeth?"

She explained that her dental problems were related to two pregnancies, in which her babies used calcium stored primarily in her teeth.

"I don't believe you," Manning responded.

The recording indicates Manning issued Foltz a speeding ticket for driving 73 mph in a 60 mph speed zone.

In a statement to the Journal & Courier, McKee said "the trooper could have been more tactful, but this did not rise to the level of a rule or regulation violation, or a violation of law." After the interaction, ISP discussed with the trooper how to be more tactful when conducting traffic stops, McKee said.

"Good police work involves making observations and asking questions based on those observations," McKee said in an email. "We encourage our officers to look beyond the traffic ticket for signs of criminal activity."

Foltz has yet to file a formal complaint, McKee said, and ISP considers the matter closed. The Journal & Courier reached out to Foltz but has yet to receive a response.