On 29 Oct 17 Deputy Zide was patrolling State Route 7/US 50 when he observed a passenger car bearing West Virginia registration approaching his location at what appeared to be a high rate of speed than the posted 60 mph zone. Deputy Zide estimated the speed at approximately 70-75 mph. A traffic stop was initiated at US 50 and State Route 555.
Deputy Zide made contact with the occupants and immediately detected the odor of marijuana. Deputy Zide asked the occupants if there was any marijuana in the vehicle at which time a passenger, Kimberly R. Hesson, admitted to having marijuana in a cigarette pack. Deputy Zide secured the cigarette pack and also retrieved Hesson’s purse from the trunk of the vehicle, as she stated her purse also had marijuana in it.
A search of the purse revealed a large amount of marijuana, pills, glass smoking pipe with burnt marijuana residue, new and empty cigarillos and cigarillo wrappers, marijuana wrapped in cigarillo wraps, digital scales and multiple plastic baggies, consistent with those used for the sale and distribution of marijuana and/or drugs. Hesson was advised of her Miranda Rights at which time Hesson admitted ownership of all items in her purse, however later denied the pills were hers and denied any intention of selling any marijuana. Hesson and the other occupants were en route to Athens, OH for the Ohio University Halloween party.
Kimberly Renee Hesson, age 18, 155 Sunset Drive, Marietta, was placed under arrest for trafficking in drugs, 5th degree felony, aggravated possession of controlled substance, 5th degree felony, and illegal use or possession of marijuana paraphernalia, a minor misdemeanor. Hesson was transported to the Washington County Jail where she remained until her appearance in Marietta Municipal Court on 30 Oct 17. Hesson remains in jail under a $2500 surety bond on both felony charges, and was released on the minor misdemeanor charge.
