MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A woman wanted on multiple failure-to-appear warrants faces additional charges after she allegedly resisted arrest and deputies found suspected crack cocaine and smoking devices in her purse.
Melissa Irene Richards, 34, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting or interfering with arrest.
According to charging documents, a St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy responded to the 28300 block of Old Lockes Hill Road at approximately 10:03 p.m. Aug. 1 to locate Richards on several outstanding warrants.
The deputy reported seeing Richards seated in the passenger side of a vehicle parked in the driveway and identifying her through prior interactions and a Motor Vehicle Administration photograph.
When ordered out of the vehicle, Richards allegedly refused, searched through a brown leather purse and threw it into the back seat before moving into the driver’s seat.
Charging documents state that Richards pulled away from deputies as they attempted to place her in handcuffs.
After being taken into custody, she allegedly refused to enter a marked police cruiser and leaned backward, using her body weight to pull away from the open door.
A search of Richards’ purse reportedly uncovered a broken glass smoking device with suspected drug residue, a small tied bag containing suspected crack cocaine and another glass smoking device with residue.
Deputies also reported finding an additional glass smoking device on the floorboard near where the purse had been placed.
Richards was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
She was released Aug. 3 on a $2,500 unsecured personal bond.
A trial is set for Sept. 17 in St. Mary’s District Court.
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Several outstanding warrants drugs resting arrest and tried to drive off. Judge lets her out on unsecured bond. Don’t think this she should be out. Judges need to get a little on some of the accused that come before them. Maybe the judge should consider the history of the individual.
That’s a rough 34