Graham Woman, 83, Jailed Over Prescription Meds

An 83-year-old Graham woman was arrested and jailed on June 16 after a traffic stop near Graham led to the discovery of multiple prescription drugs in her vehicle that did not belong to her, according to an affidavit filed by the Young County Sheriff ’s Office.

Deputy Nakita Duffield responded to a call about a red van driving recklessly on State Highway 16 North near Rocky Mound Road, the affidavit said.

A concerned motorist had reported that the van was weaving into oncoming traffic and veering toward the ditch while traveling southbound, the affidavit said.

The reporting driver followed at a safe distance and moved onto the shoulder to allow Deputy Duffield to get behind the van, it said.

Though Deputy Duffield did not personally witness the vehicle cross lanes, he initiated a stop out of concern for public safety, he said in the affidavit.

The van, driven by Sonja Bates, slowed several times before finally stopping near the intersection of U.S. 380 West, coming to rest in the northbound lane while traveling south, the affidavit said.

When Duffield approached the vehicle, Bates attempted to exit and was instructed to remain inside. She told the deputy she had trouble staying in her lane because she was trying to read road signs and was having difficulty seeing them, the affidavit said.

She insisted she was not tired, just “weary,” the affidavit said During the stop, Deputy Duffield asked to search the vehicle, and Ms. Bates consented. Inside, he discovered multiple prescription medications: a clear plastic bag containing white pills marked “852,” identified as Spironolactone; an unlabeled bottle containing yellow oval pills marked “E11,” identified as Sulindac, a prescription- only anti-inflammatory; and a bottle of Digoxin, a heart medication, that was labeled for someone named David, JR, with the identifying label partially obscured by black marker, the affidavit said.

Ms. Bates told the deputy that her sister sometimes helps her obtain medications and added that, as a former nurse, she “knew better,” the affidavit said Due to her possession of prescription medications not prescribed to her, Ms. Bates was arrested for possession of a dangerous drug.

Her vehicle was towed by Rocky Hickam Towing, and she was transported to the Young County Jail, where she was held on $2,500 bond. She was later released.