Two arrested following traffic stop

Two subjects are facing drug-related charges following a stop and subsequent search of the vehicle they were in on Sept. 30.

According to court documents, a Thermopolis Police officer was notified that subjects had checked out of a hotel room and left needles behind. The officer initiated a traffic stop based on the suspicious activity, as well as the vehicle having no front license plate and two of its three taillights not working.

Following the stop, a Hot Springs County deputy also arrived. Contact was made with the driver, identified as William T. Jackson, and his identification was requested. As he was getting his ID, the officer noticed a syringe cap protruding from his pocket. When asked what the syringe was for, Jackson said it was for injecting Suboxone.

After the syringe was taken, the deputy questioned Jackson. It was learned Jackson had injected Suboxone two hours prior to the stop.

A female subject was also contacted in the vehicle. The subject stated her name was Mya Harman, but it was later learned her actual name is Kayla M. Rowland.

A search of the driver’s side of the vehicle revealed no more paraphernalia, though a 9 mm handgun and multiple knives were located in the vehicle. A bag belonging to Rowland was also located and she gave her consent to search it. Inside was located a container with a white crystal substance that tested presumptive positive for meth and a second container with material that tested presumptive positive for THC.

A search of the passenger side of the vehicle was done, and a pipe commonly used for smoking meth was located, as well as another container that had material which tested presumptive positive for meth. The total weight of the material that tested presumptive positive for meth was 2.4 grams. Also located was a can with a false bottom that had residue which tested presumptive positive for THC.

The two subjects were handcuffed and placed in vehicles, and further search of the vehicle resulted in finding a marijuana “roach” and multiple needles.

Jackson faces charges of use of a controlled substance and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, and Rowland faces interference with a peace officer, use of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Both are scheduled for appearances in Hot Springs Circuit Court on Oct. 19.