A complaint of hotel room occupants who refused to check out discovered suspected drug use and possession.
Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said officers were sent to the local motel on Dec. 13, just before noon after the pair attempted to pay for an extra night, but hotel staff refused because they suspected the two were using drugs in the room.
Officers arrived to speak with the occupants and after knocking on the door came into contact with 43-year-old James Herrin of 2281 Little Black Creek Road, Lumberton, Magri said.
While speaking with Herrin the officer noticed another occupant in the room, 39-year-old Katherine Simon, of 39356 Oak St., Pearl River, La., Magri said.
As Simon exited the room the officer noticed what looked like track marks on her arm, Magri said. Simon later asked the officer if she could smoke a cigarette while the officer waited on backup to arrive at which time Simon was observed putting a small object her hand from the vanity in the bathroom, Magri said. The officer was able to secure the object, finding a capped syringe, Magri said.
Once backup arrived a search of the room found two baggies containing a rock like substance which was suspected to be methamphetamine, Magri said. In Simon’s purse the officers found a prescription bottle that did not have either suspect’s name on it containing a number of pills later identified as Xanax, Magri said. Two more syringes were found in the room along with a small amount of marijuana, Magri said.
Simon was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia while Herrin was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia, Magri said.