Two women were arrested on March 21 following a traffic stop in Minden when an officer observed a black Chevy Tahoe with an obscured dealer tag.
According to the police report, the officer noticed an overwhelming odor of natural marijuana emitting from the vehicle and observed four unrestrained children in the backseat. The driver, identified as Jaleshia Sims, 27, claimed the smell was due to her smoking earlier in the day and denied the presence of any illegal narcotics or weapons in the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Sims had an outstanding fugitive warrant through the Bossier Sheriff’s Office. A passenger in the vehicle, Akeilah Malone, provided a false name initially but was later identified and found to have multiple active bench warrants and an arrest warrant through the Minden Police Department.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the discovery of 0.8 grams of methamphetamine under one of the children in the backseat.
Sims was charged with possession of a schedule II substance (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child under 17 years, and failure to restrain a child. Both Sims and Malone were arrested, advised of their rights per Miranda, and transported to the Minden Police Department for booking.