MITCHELL — A routine check for an outstanding civil warrant escalated into a significant drug bust late last week, leading to the arrest of a Mitchell woman on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Kathy Lynn Martin, 43, of Mitchell, was taken into custody on October 11, after officers allegedly located methamphetamine, hypodermic syringes, and legend drugs inside a purse she attempted to discard.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Kenton Carter of the Lawrence County Police Department, he and Officer A. Hogan were en route to the Camelot Court Apartments in response to a 911 hang-up call.
As Officer Carter turned onto Camelot Court Road, he immediately recognized a female walking in the area as Kathy Martin, knowing she was wanted on an active warrant. He radioed Central Dispatch to confirm the warrant’s status.
Upon seeing the police vehicle approach, Martin reportedly began walking in the opposite direction. Officer Carter exited his vehicle and instructed her to approach. At that time, Martin, who was carrying a black purse, allegedly discarded the purse onto the ground as she moved toward the officer. When asked about the item, Martin stated the purse did not belong to her.
After confirming the warrant was valid and servable, officers placed Martin under arrest. During a subsequent search of the purse—which also contained two bank cards bearing Martin’s name—officers located several illicit items, including a glass smoking device with meth residue and 1.38 grams of meth, six used syringes, and clonazepam pills, for which she did not have a prescription.
Sergeant Compton arrived on the scene to assist with the search. Officer Hogan then read Martin her Miranda Rights, which she acknowledged but chose not to waive or make any statement.
Martin was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on the outstanding warrant for failure to appear, possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of a legend drug, 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.
