Troop F -Trio Arrested for Attempting to Transport Drugs in Richland Parish

LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent News Release February 15, 2011 Trio Arrested for Transporting Drugs in Richland Parish Three North Carolina residents have been arrested by Louisiana State Police after they were caught transporting drugs along Interstate 20 in Richland Parish. Today, at about 1:42 pm, a Louisiana State Police Troop F Trooper, on routine patrol, stopped a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a traffic violation. After speaking with the driver and passengers, the Trooper noted discrepancies in their stories and nervous behavior. Louisiana State Police K-9, Senda, was called to the scene. As the driver and occupants were asked to get out of the vehicle, a passenger, identified as Ronald Jones, threw a bag of marijuana on the ground. Louisiana State Police K-9, Senda, was introduced to the vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs. A subsequent search revealed six packages of cocaine weighing approximately 15.7 pounds in the vehicle. Troopers also recovered $8,893.00 in cash. The estimated street value of the cocaine is over $700,000. The driver, identified as Melissa McKoy (34 yoa from Linden, NC) and the two passengers, Ronald Jones (58 yoa from Raleigh, NC) and Theodore Lee (41 yoa from Bunlevel, NC) were arrested and booked at the Richland Parish Detention Center on the following charges: Melissa McKoy- Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, and Improper Lane Use. Ronald Jones-Simple Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Theodore Lee-Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine K-9, Senda, with the seized drugs and cash. Contact Information, Trooper First Class Mark Dennis Louisiana State Police Troop F Public Affairs]]]]> ]]>