BEDFORD — A routine traffic stop for a cell phone violation led to the arrest of a Mitchell woman on multiple felony and misdemeanor drug and firearm charges on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Mistie Dawn Courtney, 53, was taken into custody after a search of her vehicle uncovered a handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Officer Kenton Carter, he observed a gold-colored Chevrolet Cobalt with a female driver actively using her cell phone while driving. The officer initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle pulled into a Shell gas station near West Main Street and State Road 37.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Carter noticed Courtney was still on her phone. After she put the phone down, he detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car. Officer Kaden Flynn, who also responded to the scene, confirmed he smelled the same odor.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. Before the search, Courtney admitted to having a burnt marijuana cigarette and said she had recently purchased a quarter of marijuana. During the search, officers located bags of marijuana, as well as a silver cylindrical container. They also found a digital scale with residue behind the passenger seat. Most notably, a silver .38 special revolver handgun was discovered under the driver’s seat.
The cylindrical container and the digital scale both tested positive for methamphetamine. In total, officers found three separate bags of marijuana weighing a combined 25 grams on a non-certified scale.
Courtney was advised of her Miranda rights and admitted to using the scale to weigh marijuana, but she denied knowledge of the methamphetamine. She also claimed the cylindrical container belonged to her husband and denied ownership of it.
Courtney was transported to the Lawrence County Security Center and faces charges including dealing and possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a dangerous person, possession of marijuana, 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.
