~NAROTIC PRESS RELEASE~ RICHARD AND JOHNSON

On August 5, 2024, Narcotic Agents while conducting criminal patrol, observed a vehicle traveling North on Highway 13 (Veteran Memorial Highway) without a Louisiana License Plate Visible. Upon making a traffic stop, contact was made with the driver identified as Brandy Richard. Richard was advised of the reason for the traffic stop and instructed to provide her valid license, insurance, and vehicle registration. It should be advised that Richard stated she held a suspended license which was confirmed through dispatch. During contact with Richard, agents smelled a strong odor of Marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Richard was advised to step out of the vehicle and step to the rear of the vehicle. Richard was advised that the strong odor of Marijuana was emitting from her vehicle and she admitted to smoking marijuana before traveling in the vehicle.

The front passenger was identified as Stephanie Johnson who also maintained a suspended driver's license. Johnson was instructed to step out of the vehicle and step to the rear of the vehicle and upon opening the door, a small piece of plastic containing narcotics fell out of the vehicle along the passenger side. Once secured, the substance was identified as Marijuana weighing 0.74 grams. The rear passenger was identified as Marlayna Cason. There were also (2) tender-age juveniles located within the vehicle as well. The juveniles were identified as the children of Richard.

A search of the vehicle was conducted. Located in a pair of shorts on the driver's floorboard were 8 hand-rolled smoked cigars containing Marijuana weighing 1 gram. A search of all passengers individually was conducted and located in the pants pocket of Richard was loose Marijuana weighing 0.46 grams.

Brandy Richard was issued a citation for a traffic offense as well as Possession of Schedule I Marijuana. S. Johnson was a citation for Possession of Schedule I Marijuana. Both subjects were released on Citation pending further investigation.