2 Arrested After Deputies Find Drugs, Cash In Stolen Vehicle: Sheriff

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Two Massachusetts residents were arrested Friday after Stafford County sheriff's deputies said they found them inside a stolen vehicle on Garrisonville Road, along with narcotics, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.

A deputy responded just after 5 p.m. to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle in the area of Garrisonville Road, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Two people were inside the vehicle when the deputy arrived, authorities said.

The driver, identified by the sheriff's office as Omar Maradiaga Mejia, 30, of Lynn, Massachusetts, had bloodshot eyes and admitted consuming alcohol earlier in the day, according to authorities. Deputies confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen and arrested both occupants.

Mejia was charged with felony grand larceny auto theft, felony possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, first-offense driving while intoxicated involving drugs and unauthorized possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.

Suspects Due Back In Court In October

The passenger was identified as Nicole Johnson, 45, also of Lynn. The court records reviewed by Patch show a felony charge against Johnson of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, as well as a misdemeanor paraphernalia charge. As of Monday, she remained in custody.

Mejia's four cases list him as being in custody as well. Court records identify attorney T. Patton as representing him. Johnson's felony case lists a public defender.

Both defendants had arraignment proceedings continued Monday and are scheduled for preliminary hearings at 1 p.m. Oct. 22 in Stafford General District Court, according to the records.

The court records do not identify the narcotics allegedly recovered, specify how much cash deputies found or indicate where the vehicle had been reported stolen.