At the age of 18, an Ohio woman has suffered through more trauma than most people experience in their entire lives. Her former boyfriend allegedly put her in the hospital with a concussion. Her parents were then murdered, and that same ex-boyfriend has been charged with their deaths. Now, she has been arrested on drug charges, along with another individual.
Authorities suspect the young woman of possessing and trafficking in cocaine. She and a 32-year-old man allegedly possessed more than 27 grams of cocaine (about an ounce) with a claimed street value between $2,700 and $3,375. The woman was arrested when she returned to her apartment the day after a weapon was reportedly discharged there.
Evidence is still being gathered regarding the possession and trafficking charges against the woman. A representative of the woman believes that, as the case progresses, it will become clear that she did not affirmatively act to violate the law. Only time will tell whether Ohio prosecutors will be able to prove the charges filed against the woman. Many people exercise poor judgment, but they are not necessarily guilty of criminal activity.
Even though someone is accused and even charged with a crime, that does not mean he or she is guilty. Under our system of justice, a person is presumed innocent at every stage of any pending criminal proceedings until and unless proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The penalties that accompany a conviction for drug charges can be significant. The defense team will likely conduct a careful review of the underlying evidence and help determine the best course of action to seek a favorable result.
Source: ohio.com, Daughter of slain New Franklin couple indicted on felony drug charges, Ed Meyer, Feb. 28, 2014