A St. James woman has been charged with three felony counts following a traffic stop in Maries County by a sheriff’s deputy.

The Maries County Sheriff’s Office reported the stop occurred on Oct. 12 when Deputy Ryan Fowler noticed a headlight out on a vehicle and stopped it. The deputy noticed the odor of marijuana and determined none of the occupants possessed a legal medical marijuana card. The driver, Melissa Mash, 49, St. James, admitted she and another adult passenger had smoked a joint before leaving Columbia. A search located marijuana roaches and about 10 grams of marijuana. Mash was arrested and transported to the Maries County Jail.  

She has been charged with three felony counts of first degree endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs, and misdemeanor DWI person less than 17 years of age in vehicle. She posted $1,000 bond and is awaiting a court date.

The sheriff’s office said marijuana legalization and the prosecution of marijuana laws have become an area of large debate in the state and nation. Chief Deputy Major Scott John said Sheriff Chris Heitman has directed his staff to remember they are defenders of the US and Missouri State Constitutions. The legalization of medical marijuana was an amendment to the Missouri State Constitution and, as such, we are to only pursue roadside interdiction, detainment, and arrests of those who are not legally in possession or using the medical marijuana in a legal and safe manner.

“We are seeing an increase in medical marijuana cardholders who believe the card allows them carte blanche,” Major John said. “If you are a medical marijuana card holder please understand the laws which entitle you to possess and use the medicine. No current medicine prescription allows you to operate a motor vehicle impaired and you can, and will be, prosecuted for driving while impaired in Maries County.” He added the sheriff’s deputies will continue to remove impaired drivers from the roadway.