An Elsik High School science teacher was caught with 53 pounds in of marijuana
in her car today, giving a new meaning to the words "higher education."
Percy Melton was pulled over for a minor traffic offense, but when the
police began to issue her ticket, they noticed that she was acting strangely.
The police asked if they could search her vehicle. She denied the request.
The K-9 went to work and alerted the detectives that there was marijuana
inside the car. A search revealed that Melton had 53 pounds of the illegal
drug wrapped in cellophane, trash bags, and two duffel bags.
The Houston Chronicle writes that Melton was charged with
possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. She had about $120,000 worth of the drug
in her car. She was taken to a local correctional center and her bond
is still pending. The officials at the school where Melton works had not
received any official confirmation that she was arrested, but they say
that when it has been confirmed she will be placed on administrative leave.
In Florida, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis is a First Degree
Misdemeanor. This results in at least one year of probation, one year
in jail, or up to $1,000 in fines. Anyone who has possession of over 20
grams of marijuana can be given five years or probation, five years in
prison, or up to $5,000 in fines, These serious charges can come with
a two-year drivers' license suspension. There are two types of
drug possession that are evaluated in Florida. If the drug is found on your person, then
it is considered actual possession. For those who have their drug stored
in a place that is accessible to more than just themselves, the drug is
considered to be in constructive possession. If you have been charged
with possession in the Fort Lauderdale area, then talk to a lawyer at
Parks & Braxton, PA for tough defense!