An officer’s quick thinking reportedly led to a smuggling crime coming to light.
A woman has been charged in White County, Arkansas after she allegedly tried to smuggle drugs into jail.
White County Sheriff’s Office confirms that Melissa G. McGough, a 51-year-old white female from Palestine, AR, was arrested on January 7, 2025, at 10:07 AM. She faces charges of furnishing prohibited articles and other charges with a bond set at $25,000.
Woman Allegedly Tried To Smuggle Drugs Into Jail
According to court documents, on August 30, 2023, White County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Hunter Descant observed a vehicle traveling at 68 mph in a 55 mph zone on Hwy 11, leading to a traffic stop.
During the stop, Deputy Descant noticed a bag of suspected methamphetamine under Melissa McGough’s leg on the passenger seat, leading to her arrest.
Before entering the White County Detention Center, Melissa McGough claimed she had no additional items on her, but was observed adjusting her shorts, which raised suspicions.
Upon a strip search conducted by Deputy Stevie Hughes at the jail, a bag containing multiple pills was found concealed on McGough’s body. These pills were later identified as hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Subsequent analysis by Detective Conlee Busselle confirmed the substance from the vehicle was methamphetamine, weighing approximately 1.5 grams.
These observations and findings provided the basis for the charges against Melissa McGough, including possession of methamphetamine and hydrocodone, and furnishing prohibited articles into a correctional facility.
