BEDFORD — A French Lick woman is facing a litany of felony and misdemeanor charges following an early-morning traffic stop in Bedford on Saturday. Krista E. Baker, 30, was taken into custody on March 7th, after police reportedly discovered various controlled substances and a legend drug in her possession.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Clay Blackburn of the Bedford Police Department, the incident began at approximately 1:42 a.m. near the intersection of State Road 37 and State Road 158. Officer Blackburn observed a blue Kia Optima weaving significantly and crossing the fog line while traveling southbound.
Upon initiating a traffic stop near 35th Street, officers encountered the driver, Nathan Gilbert, 50, of Salem, and the passenger, Baker. Police noted that both individuals appeared nervous and frequently broke eye contact during the interaction.
The situation escalated when Baker allegedly refused to provide her identification to Officer Haluda. Officers also reported that Baker initially refused to exit the vehicle and was observed littering by flicking a cigarette out of the car window.
Through further investigation and information provided by Gilbert, officers confirmed Baker’s identity. They subsequently discovered she was wanted on an active Lawrence County warrant for a petition to revoke.
During the investigation, Baker reportedly admitted to concealing multiple pills on her person. According to the affidavit, she retrieved two plastic baggies containing several types of medication, including oxycodone hydrochloride, a Schedule 2 controlled substance, xanax, a Schedule 4 controlled substance, and cyclobenaprine hydrochloride, a legend drug.
A K9 unit from the Bedford Police Department also alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the car and Baker’s personal belongings allegedly uncovered marijuana found inside a cigarette pack in the center console, Ambien, a Schedule 4 controlled substance in an unlabeled bottle, and oxycodone found in Baker’s wallet.
Gilbert also allegedly admitted to obtaining some of the pills earlier that evening. The vehicle was impounded, and all seized items were placed into evidence.
Baker and Gilbert were transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Baker is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a legend drug, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice, refusal to identify, and an outstanding warrant for a probation violation.
Gilbert is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.
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.
