Initial appearance for woman charged with three felonies

Malta Resident Melanie M. Miller, 32, made her initial appearance hearing at the 17th Judicial Court on April 29, pleading not guilty to three felonies and one misdemeanor following her April 8 arrest in which she was charged with criminal distribution of a dangerous drug, criminal possession of a dangerous drug, criminal child endangerment and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.

On April 8, The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office and agents from a Tri-Agency Task Force executed a search warrant at Miller’s home while she was there, according to court documents. One of the law officials on site saw Miller through a window and asked her to come to the house’s front door and open it. She allegedly refused.

When the law officials did make their way into the residence they discovered 13 grams of marijuana with a label reading “Orange bud” on the package. The officers also found 9.5 hydrocodone pills and an envelope containing $1,770. Through further investigation of the dwelling, officers discovered 10 mason jars filled with marijuana as well as two digital scales and numerous marijuana pipes and other paraphernalia. Miller was then placed under arrest.

Miller reportedly waived her rights and said that she had been selling marijuana for a few months, usually in 1/8 ounce quantities. She stated that she got the marijuana from out of town and purchased it for $800 per ounce.

On April 9, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office retrieved the marijuana from the evidence locker and weighed it. The total weight of all the marijuana was reportedly 279.5 grams or 9.8 ounces.

At her initial appearance on April 29, Miller pleaded not guilty and was released to the care of a family member. Miller’s release is contingent to many factors which include perusing employment, not consuming any alcohol or illegal drugs as well as a curfew from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. Miller has no prior criminal history.

Miller’s omnibus hearing is scheduled for June 9.

All the crimes are alleged and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty.