BEDFORD – A Bedford woman was arrested Tuesday evening after a traffic stop on the city’s west side allegedly led to the discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia inside her vehicle.
According to an affidavit filed in Lawrence County, Officer J. Landon Jones was patrolling near the roundabout at John Williams Boulevard and Beech Street at approximately 7:03 p.m. on May 19 when Major Swanson advised him by radio that Phyllis J. Padgett, 67, was driving a blue Ford F-150 eastbound on John Williams Boulevard.
Police said dispatch advised officers that Padgett was listed as suspended-infraction on a regular identification card. Officers observed the truck pull into the parking lot of a business in the 2400 block of John Williams Boulevard, where a traffic stop was initiated.
According to the affidavit, Padgett exited the truck holding the vehicle’s keys and later provided identification and registration information to officers. Police said Padgett denied consent to search the vehicle.
Officer Jones requested assistance from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy Carter arrived with K-9 Boon. According to police, the dog alerted to the odor of narcotics near the driver’s side door, providing probable cause for a search of the vehicle.
During the search, Officer Turner allegedly located a black bag inside a purse on the vehicle’s center console. Inside the bag, police reported finding multiple plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance along with a blue cut straw containing residue.
The affidavit states the substances later field-tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Padgett was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Police said the suspected narcotics and paraphernalia were collected as evidence, and the truck was released to Padgett’s husband at the scene.
Padgett was booked on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of paraphernalia, and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.
As in all criminal cases, charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
