On Dec. 22, 2009, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver of an eastbound vehicle on Interstate 44 in Jasper County for a traffic violation. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of two individuals.
At approximately 7:37 a.m., the driver of a 2009 Ford Escape, bearing Nevada registration, was stopped near the 13-mile marker for traveling in excess of the speed limit. Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop prompted the trooper to ask for consent to search the vehicle, which was granted. Approximately 20 pounds of marijuana was located in luggage and boxes wrapped as Christmas presents.
The driver, Brooke R. Molina, age 28, Nevada City, Calif., and passenger, Brianna N. Berban, age 22, Ojai, Calif., were arrested for felony drug possession and transported to the Jasper County Jail, Carthage, Mo.
The charges for which Brooke R. Molina and Brianna N. Berban were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
