Tennessee woman accused of trying to hide meth in bra

A routine traffic stop lead to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine hidden in a Jacksboro, Tennessee, woman’s bra, according to an arrest document and testimony during a preliminary hearing Monday.

Williamsburg Police Officer Johnny Fulton arrested Dawn Michael, 44, on Jan. 2 on charges of second-offense operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, first-degree promoting contraband, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), disregarding a stop sign, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Fulton testified Monday that he witnessed Michael’s vehicle go through a stop sign near the intersection of Highway 92W and Happy Hollow Road, which prompted him to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle.

Fulton testified that Michael appeared to be under the influence, and when he asked her if there was anything inside the vehicle, she told him there might be some marijuana inside.

Michael consented to a search of the vehicle prior to the search, and K-9 Officer Elijah Hunter, who came to the traffic stop to provide back-up, did a search of the exterior of the vehicle with his K-9 Vicko, and Vicko alerted to the possible presence of drugs inside the vehicle, Fulton testified.

During a search of the vehicle, police discovered a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, a pipe and scales, Fulton testified.

Fulton said that Michael failed field sobriety tests, and was taken to Whitley County EMS where blood was drawn for toxicology testing before Michael was transported to the Whitley County Detention Center.

When two female deputy jailers went to search Michael, they discovered two clear plastic baggies in her bra, which she tried to hide from them, Fulton testified.

Both baggies contained a clear crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine, according to an arrest citation.

Following the hearing, Whitley District Judge Fred White ruled there was sufficient evidence to send the case to the Whitley County Grand Jury for consideration.

Public advocate Ron Findell asked that Michael’s bond be lowered from a $7,500 cash bond to a $7,500 surety or signature bond.

Assistant County Attorney John Reynolds objected to any bond modification.

White agreed to amend Michael’s bond to a $7,500 fully secured bond, which means she could be released from jail after putting up $7,500 cash, $15,000 worth or property, or a combination of the two.