A report of a couple arguing while traveling on Interstate 20 led Louisiana State Police to arrest two people after a vehicle search reportedly uncovered an assortment of prescription medications.
Jennifer Ann Simon, 51, of Shreveport, and Michael W. Cox Jr., 45, of Monroe, were arrested October 26 on multiple drug possession charges following a traffic stop near Exit 49 in Webster Parish.
According to Louisiana State Police reports, a motorist contacted authorities after observing a woman driving a Toyota RAV4 and her male passenger arguing aggressively. The caller expressed concern for the woman’s safety.
A trooper located the vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 20 and initiated a traffic stop. Simon, who was driving, appeared emotional and was crying, according to the report.
After speaking with both occupants, the trooper determined that the disagreement had been verbal. Neither reported being struck, and the trooper observed no evidence of a physical altercation.
During the investigation, Simon consented to a search of her vehicle.
Troopers reportedly discovered a blue hygiene bag on the rear floorboard containing several types of prescription medication, including clonazepam, amphetamine, diazepam, alprazolam, and buprenorphine. A pill bottle inside the bag bore Cox’s name.
A separate search of a purse claimed by Simon revealed additional medication, including a Suboxone pill and clonazepam.
According to the reports, Cox initially acknowledged that the hygiene bag belonged to him but said he had not seen it in several days. Simon reportedly denied knowing how the bag got into her vehicle or what it contained.
Both initially declined to claim ownership of the medications in the bag. Later, Cox reportedly attempted to claim all the pills but was unable to answer questions about their types and location.
Simon acknowledged ownership of the purse and the two pills found inside it.
Both were arrested and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
Simon faces eight possession charges involving Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances. Cox faces six possession charges involving medications in the same classifications.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.