Two people were arrested in the Defeated community on various drug and intoxication-related charges on Saturday, September 29.
Deputy Robin Bellar of the Smith County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the area of the Defeated Creek Fire Hall after a vehicle was reported in a home owner’s yard, in which the driver “did not appear normal,” according to Bellar’s report.
Bellar made contact with the vehicle — a U-Haul van — that was running in the yard of a residence across from the Defeated Creek Fire Hall, partially in the roadway. Upon contact with the driver, identified as 33-year-old Jessica Cooper of Jacksonville, Florida, she appeared to be abnormal, “as if she was intoxicated,” according to Bellar’s report. She had slurred speech, dilated pupils and very poor coordination when asked for her driver’s license, according to the report.
Upon being asked to step out of the vehicle to perform standardized field sobriety tests, Cooper was very unsteady on her feet, according to the report. Cooper failed to perform to standard on the tests, according to the report.
A search of the vehicle revealed a small baggie of marijuana, a grinder with marijuana residue and a pipe with burnt marijuana residue, according to the report.
Both Cooper and the passenger of the vehicle, identified as 46-year-old Stephen Mignone of Jacksonville, Florida, were read their Miranda Rights, according to the report. Cooper admitted to owning the marijuana and all of the paraphernalia, according to the report.
Mignone also appeared to be intoxicated by an unknown substance, according to the report. He had slurred speech, appeared to have diffuculty keeping his eyes open, and was unsteady on his feet, according to Bellar’s report.
According to the report, Mignone admitted to taking several prescription medications that he was prescribed.
Both Cooper and Mignone were placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail Facility for booking — MIgnone due to fear he was a danger to himself, according to Bellar’s report.
Cooper is charged with Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Controlled Substances (Schedule VI).
Mignone is charged with Public Intoxication.
Stephen James Mignone
Jessica Leann Cooper
