From

STAFF REPORTs

The Natchez Democrat

VIDALIA &8212; For the second time in less than a week, the Concordia Narcotics Task Force had to contact Louisiana child welfare officials regarding children in apparent unhealthy living conditions where the adults were allegedly abusing drugs.

According to a CPSO press release, Wednesday Stephanie L. Reid, 18, Brandy L. Tiser, 21, Antonio A. Bryant, 19 and George Lewis Thurmond of 129 Donald Drive, Vidalia, were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, cultivation of marijuana, cruelty to a juvenile and improper supervision of a minor.

Wednesday Bryant&8217;s bond was set in Seventh District Court for $37, 250.

Bonds for the other suspects were set at $42, 250 each.

According to the release, CNTF officers found seven marijuana plants growing inside the kitchen of the residence.

Officers also found other drug paraphernalia inside the residence.

Arresting officer Sgt. Gregg Jackson said that two girls, a two-year old and a three-month old were also on the premises.

Three dogs were also roaming in the house and animal urine and feces were found throughout the residence, including in the children&8217;s sleeping area, Jackson stated.

Earlier in the week, CNTF arrested a Vidalia woman on assorted drug charges after she was spotted driving at a high rate of speed on Louisiana 129 in Monterey.

Monday Patricia Lynn Waite, 36, 1167 Pecan Acres, No. 6, was charged with possession of schedule I and II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Deputy Charles Groh and Sgt. Jackson observed Waite&8217;s white mini-van veer off the main roadway several times. When the vehicle was stopped, the officers found two small children asleep in car seats.

Contraband found in the vehicle included a suspected crack-smoking pipe and suspected crack cocaine.

A marijuana cigarette and two more crack pipes were in the suspect&8217;s purse, along with crack pipe filters.

The suspect consented to a search of her residence where more burnt marijuana cigarettes were found, along with other drug related evidence.

Deputies stated that the residence was extremely dirty and in a complete state of disarray.

State child welfare officials were contacted regarding custody of the woman&8217;s children.

Waite&8217;s bond was set at $25,000.

Assisting Groh and Jackson Monday were CPSO Sgt. Sheila McFarland and Deputy Billy Joe Ratcliff.

Thursday Sheriff Randy Maxwell praised the CNTF&8217;s work and stressed that they will actively investigate every single lead received and pursue those using and dealing drugs.

&8220;And where children are concerned, we&8217;re particularly interested in those situations,&8221; Maxwell stated. &8220;We hope that everyone who has information concerning people doing drugs around children will give us a call.&8221;

Maxwell stated that all information would be kept strictly confidential.