A brief investigation by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies has led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man on felony drug charges that resulted in the seizure of illegal narcotics and cash according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were attempting to locate an individual on Jan. 20 in reference to an unrelated complaint call in the parish on Caspari Street in Natchitoches.
While on Caspari Street, deputies made contact with the occupant of a 2014 Nissan Altima parked in the street.
The driver of the vehicle attempted to drive-off and quickly pulled into a nearby driveway.
Deputies identified the driver as 31-year-old Jerica D. Kelly of Natchitoches.
Deputies say as they were walking up to the vehicle they could smell a strong marijuana smoke odor.
While speaking with Kelly, deputies continued to smell the marijuana smoke odor coming from within the vehicle.
Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents were notified.
A search of the vehicle led to discovery and seizure of nearly 42 grams of suspected marijuana, approximately 85 grams of suspected synthetic marijuana, 49 ½ suspected oxycodone narcotic pills, suspected promethazine, approximately 15.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, a THC vape pen, digital weighing scales and $1826 in U.S. currency.
Kelly was placed under arrest without incident.
As a result:
Jerica Kelly, 31, of Natchitoches was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, 1-Count of Possession of CDS Schedule I Synthetic Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, 1-Count of Possession of CDS I Marijuana, 1-Count of Possession of CDS Schedule II Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, 1-Count of Possession of CDS Schedule II Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute, 1-Count of Possession of a Legend Drug, Second or Subsequent Narcotic Offenses, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Kelly remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.
Deputies say they believe the seized evidence was intended for distribution.
The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis while the currency will be turned over to the Natchitoches District Attorney’s Office for possible Asset Forfeiture Proceedings.
Sgt. C. Campbell and Lt. B. Smith made the arrest assisted by members of the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force.
