MITCHELL — A Williams woman was arrested and is facing multiple drug-related charges after an incident that began with a citizen dispute. Tracy Chenault, 55, who told police she has been living in her car for nearly a year, was taken into custody on August 27, 2025.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Mitchell Police Officer Cody Grogan, police were first called to a citizen dispute at 51 Persimmon Park Apartments. The resident, Dena Combs, stated that Chenault had accused her of taking her drugs. Later, Chenault flagged down Officer Grogan while driving and said she was looking for her drugs, which she believed Combs had taken. She consented to a search of her vehicle.
During the search, officers located two small baggies with blue markings, both of which contained a white crystallized substance. The substance was field-tested at the Mitchell Police Station and tested positive for methamphetamine, with a total weight of 3.1 grams.
Further search of the vehicle yielded additional items, including two syringes containing a dark fluid, nine unused syringes, and 80 more syringes. Officers also found four yellow pills preliminarily identified as Tramadol Hydrochloride, a Schedule 4 controlled substance, and a small plastic bag with cotton balls, which, based on police training and experience, are associated with methamphetamine use. A pill bottle prescribed to another individual containing more of the same yellow pills was also found.
After being transported to the Lawrence County Jail, Chenault was found to have a clear glass smoking device with burnt residue hidden in her bra. The residue also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Chenault was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and is being held on charges of trafficking with an inmate, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle, possession of a Schedule 4 controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
