~NARCOTIC PRESS RELEASE~ ASHLEY ESTES
On August 3, 2024, Narcotic Agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office while conducting Criminal Patrol observed a vehicle negotiate a left turn at the intersection of Ash Street and 5th Street without using a signal light. The vehicle was also observed conducting a left turn at the intersection of 5th Street and Pine Street without using a turn signal. Agents activated the emergency lights to affect a traffic stop in which the vehicle stopped at 5th Street and Pine Street. Through dispatch agents learned the vehicle insurance was unconfirmed through the DMV. Contact was made with the driver, who was identified as a 39-year-old white female Ashley Estes. Estes was advised of the reason for the stop and instructed to provide her license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. During this time, agents observed in the center console, an open container of alcohol as well as the motor vehicle inspection sticker being expired. Estes was also observed not properly wearing her seatbelt. Estes became hysterical, crying, and acting irrationally. Agents confirmed Estes maintained a valid driver's license, however, Estes had no insurance on the vehicle. Because of the irrational state of Estes, she was instructed to step out of the vehicle and step to the rear of the vehicle. During the field interview, Estes gave verbal consent, allowing agents to search the vehicle. During the search, agents located in the purse of Estes was a wallet that held a folded piece of notebook paper containing Methamphetamine weighing approximately 2.40 grams in total weight. Located in A. Estes's purse was a multi-colored silicone container containing Methamphetamine residue. Estes was advised of her Miranda Rights and placed under arrest and charged with (1) 40:967 Possession of Schedule II Narcotics (Methamphetamine). Estes was also issued traffic citations for her traffic-related offenses and transported to Evangeline Parish Jail. The vehicle was towed by Sooners Towing Service due to No Insurance.
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