ROCKINGHAM — A South Carolina woman was arrested Wednesday in connection with a recent drug investigation, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop Wednesday after observing a vehicle fail to maintain lane control, according to a media release.
While stationary on Mill Road, deputies observed a vehicle driven by Yaronda Patrice Harlee, 34, of Bennettsville, South Carolina, leaving a residence on Aleo Sixth Avenue and traveling toward Entwistle Third Street.
According to the release, deputies observed Harlee stop at a stop sign for an extended period despite no other vehicles being present before proceeding through the intersection. Deputies then followed the vehicle due to what they described as suspicious behavior.
A short distance later, deputies observed the vehicle cross the double yellow line near the railroad tracks at Aleo First Street, prompting the traffic stop. The vehicle stopped in the parking lot of ER Corner Store.
Deputies explained the reason for the stop upon making contact with Harlee. During the encounter, deputies observed a blue pill bottle with distressed labeling in plain view inside the center console. A field test of an unknown powder inside the bottle tested positive for heroin, according to the release. Deputies also located assorted drug paraphernalia during a subsequent search of the vehicle.
Harlee was arrested and transported to the magistrate’s office. She was charged with one count each of possession of heroin, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also cited for failing to maintain lane control.
As of Wednesday, Harlee had been issued a $2,500 unsecured bond for the substance charges.
Harlee is scheduled to appear in court June 11 for the substance charges and June 18 for the traffic citation.
Sheriff Mark Gulledge expressed gratitude to the deputies involved in the arrest.
“I would like to thank our deputies for their diligence and attention to detail in this case,” said Gulledge in a media release. “Their proactive efforts continue to keep dangerous substances out of our community and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to public safety.”