Mary Jean Howard

KOSCIUSKO — An Elkhart woman is facing charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of 323 grams of methamphetamine and 61 grams of marijuana.

Mary Jean Emline Howard, 51, 1031 Middlebury St., Elkhart, is being charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 2 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 3 felony; possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony; dealing in marijuana in an amount in excess of 30 grams, a level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor. 

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 17, a Nappanee police officer saw a black passenger vehicle drive left of center on the roadway multiple times on SR 19. The officer made a traffic stop.

According to the police report, Howard admitted she was driving left of center and said it was because of her dogs being in the front seat. The officer then requested the driver’s identification. At that time, Howard reached for her purse, which was laying on the driver’s side floorboard.

The officer saw a large bag of marijuana laying on top of the purse. Howard was then removed from the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag containing marijuana; numerous bags containing methamphetamine; multiple empty plastic bags; a smoking device; $407 in cash; and a plastic bag containing four white pills. 

In the trunk, police found a gym bag containing methamphetamine. 

Combined, the methamphetamine weighed 323 grams. The 61 grams of marijuana weighed about two ounces. The four pills were identified as Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone, a schedule II narcotic drug. 

Howard was booked at the Kosciusko County Jail June 17 on a $20,250 surety and cash bond. 

She was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine on Nov. 7, 2013, in Kosciusko County Circuit Court.