During a traffic stop on the evening of March 25th, a Drew County Sheriff's Deputy observed that a passenger of the vehicle had an open container of alcohol. The vehicle was occupied by two adults and 15-month old child. The adults were asked to exit the vehicle. A search of the entire vehicle let to the discovery of 2.5 grams of what is believed to be crack cocaine and a set of digital scales. Arrested at the scene and transported to the Drew County Detention Facility were James Leroy Charles, age 40 of New Edinburg, and Marian Thomas, age 46 of Monticello. The mother of the child was summoned to the area of the traffic stop to take custody of her child.

Both James and Thomas was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a minor, and drinking on the highway. Charles and Thomas went before Judge Ken Harper on March 26. Charles, who was on probation at the time, received a bond of $100,000 and remains in jail. Thomas was released on her own recognizance per Judge Harper.