An Arvin, California, resident has been charged with felonies after a traffic stop on I-70 in Lafayette County on October 29.
According to a probable-cause statement, during a probable-cause search of the vehicle, the Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper says he found several drug-related items.
In the vehicle were the driver- 22-year-old Brenda Alcaraz- and a 15-year-old female passenger. Each of the vehicle’s occupants reportedly gave authorities conflicting stories. Authorities contacted the juvenile’s mother in the state of Oregon, and the mother reportedly indicated she thought her daughter was in school in Oregon and said she did not know Alcaraz.
Alcaraz and the girl were taken to the Higginsville Police Department, and while there, it reportedly was discovered the girl had two packages containing a white crystal substance secured to her abdomen area. The white crystal substance appeared to be methamphetamine, and the packages weighed approximately 5-1/2 pounds.
According to online court documents, Alcaraz has been charged with a Class A Felony for Trafficking Drugs or Attempt in the First Degree; a Class D Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child Involving Drugs in the First Degree; and two drug-related misdemeanors.
Alcaraz appeared via video in custody and pleaded not guilty during her arraignment hearing on October 30. Her next hearing is scheduled to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, at Lafayette County Circuit Court.