Marshall County Deputies arrest two in separate U.S. 31 traffic incidents

Deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department arrested two motorists in separate traffic-related incidents along U.S. 31 over the past few days, resulting in charges for intoxicated driving and drug possession.

The first incident occurred late Thursday night, March 26. At approximately 11:42 p.m., Deputy Matt Geiger responded to a vehicle that had slid off the roadway on U.S. 31, just south of 17th Road. While weather was considered a possible factor in the slide-off, deputies determined the driver, identified as 37-year-old Katherine E. Kelly of Springfield, Tennessee, had been drinking.

Kelly submitted to field sobriety testing and a certified blood test, which reportedly revealed her blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit of .08%. She was arrested on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and booked into the Marshall County Jail on a $1,500 cash bond. The Argos Police Department assisted at the scene.

A few days later, on Sunday, March 29, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Deputy Andrew Wozniak initiated a traffic stop on a gray 2006 Mercury passenger vehicle on U.S. 31 near mile marker 230.

During the investigation, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, leading to the discovery of suspected marijuana. Law enforcement also determined that the driver, 31-year-old Fredrica N. Brown, was operating the vehicle without ever having been issued a driver's license. Brown was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle without ever receiving a driver's license and possession of marijuana. Her bond was set at $255.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.