Traffic stop leads to arrest of two women

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Two Mississippi County women have been arrested on narcotics charges.

Sheriff Keith Moore said the investigation began last week, when Deputy Cory Hutcheson learned narcotics were being distributed from a county residence.

Hutcheson observed occupants driving an unauthorized vehicle on a public roadway, so he contacted Deputy Mike Borders, who conducted a traffic stop.

Through observations and interviews with passengers, Borders and Hutcheson had probable cause to believe illegal narcotics were involved. Rachel Nichole Achter, 27, and Christina Hope Ray, 18, both of East Prairie, Missouri, were placed under arrest and taken to the Mississippi County Detention Center.

During a search, Borders and Hutcheson seized a large amount of narcotics and drug paraphernalia from purses and backpacks removed from the vehicle.

After the search, Hutcheson and Borders conducted videotaped interviews with the women, during which probable cause was established for their intent to trade the drugs for other controlled substances, which the pair intended to sell.

Ray and Achter are charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a felony punishable upon conviction by five to 15 years in prison.

Both face a misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to one year in the county jail. Achter faces an additional charge of receiving stolen property, stemming from stolen checks found in her possession.