PROSSER, Wash. – UPDATE March 21
The Prosser paraeducator who was arrested on March 6 for possessing controlled substances did not appear at her March 20 arraignment, according to Benton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tyler Grandgeorge.
Grandgeorge says her next hearing is set for March 27. At this hearing, the court expects her answer as to why she failed to appear earlier.
The State will reportedly consider whether she will be facing additional charges after the new arraignment.
The court issued a warrant for her arrest set at $200,000.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE
A Prosser paraeducator was arrested after controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were found in her home on March 6, according to court documents.
Per a probable cause document, deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office found a stolen vehicle outside of a home on West Johnson Road northwest of Prosser on March 6.
Deputies surveilled the vehicle to attempt to find the person who stole it, eventually interviewing a man who had interacted with the vehicle.
A woman was also seen driving to and from the home, later identified to be the paraeducator.
Due to the state of the vehicle and the amount of items stolen with the vehicle, including a firearm, court documents say deputies obtained a search warrant for the home.
During the search on the same day, detectives reportedly found large amounts of controlled substances including over 2,000 fentanyl pills and nearly 300 grams of methamphetamine.
Detectives also found over $1,700 in cash, portions of the meth placed into small plastic baggies, scales, syringes containing traces of heroin and other drug paraphernalia in an expanded search.
Court documents say the paraeducator has posted bail in the amount of $10,000. Her arraignment is set for March 20 for a felony charge of possessing controlled substances with the intent to manufacture or deliver.
If convicted of the felony, she will face a maximum of ten years in prison, a fine or both.
