2 charged with drugs in packed SUV
Staff writer
A traffic stop Friday night for an unreadable license plate allegedly led deputies to find drugs and alcohol in a Ford Escape carrying eight people, including two 16-year-olds.
Amaris D. Henry, 19, McPherson, and Chylynn N. Watts, 19, Marion, were arrested after a deputy stopped the Ford at 10:20 p.m. Friday on Main St. in Marion, Undersheriff Larry Starkey said.
Deputies found a white substance that field-tested positive for cocaine, THC wax, drug paraphernalia, and beer inside the vehicle. Starkey described the quantities as “probably personal use amounts.”
Henry was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child endangerment, possessing an opiate, possessing THC, possessing drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container of alcohol.
Watts was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child endangerment, possessing an opiate, possessing THC, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
The child-endangerment allegations stemmed from juveniles being inside the vehicle while it was carrying drugs, Starkey said. Two occupants born in 2010 were identified during the stop. They were not charged, and their names were not released.
Court records indicate Henry previously faced allegations including making a criminal threat, theft, marijuana possession, and interference with law enforcement. Several counts were dismissed, though an interference case resulted in probation.
Henry also faces pending felony drug cases in Harvey County alleging possession of a stimulant and distribution of marijuana, according to court records.
Online court records show Watts previously faced only Marion County traffic charges in 2024.
The case has been referred to the county attorney for review.