Editors Note: This article was originally published in the Aug. 23 2023 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
An ounce of cocaine, multiple fake IDs, marijuana vape pens and $15,000 in cash were found inside a vehicle stopped by a Utah Highway Patrol trooper inside Millard County on Aug. 19.
The trooper pulled over the vehicle near mile marker 1 eastbound into the county after noting the vehicle’s heavily tinted windows and temporary license plate.
When the police officer approached the vehicle, the smell of burnt marijuana gave the officer reason to search.
Two people were later taken into custody after the trooper discovered the cash and contraband inside their vehicle. The trooper also called the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, which responded to the scene.
Kyla Charvonne Gates, 27, and Jahmee Pickett, 31, were each arrested and charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanor crimes.
Pickett was charged with second-degree felony money laundering and second-degree felony drug possession with intent to distribute. He was also charged with three counts of third-degree felony forgery and one count of third-degree felony unlawful possession of a financial card. He also faces misdemeanors and a traffic infraction.
Gates was also charged with second-degree felony money laundering and second-degree felony drug possession with intent to distribute. She was also charged with two misdemeanor drug counts.
According to a probable cause statement filed in the case, Pickett gave police a false name multiple times. Later, a nationwide NCIC warrant was discovered for the man for a weapons offense.
“The male has multiple felony arrests for drug trafficking of cocaine and felony possession of drugs. The female has multiple charges for theft and failure to appear,” the probable cause statement reads.
Both suspects were being held at the Millard County Jail Monday at press time on $10,000 bail each. Both are expected to appear in Fourth District Court this week.
