WASHINGTON COUNTY — Two people were arrested in Washington County after deputies found fentanyl and razor blades inside a diaper bag.
On October 6th, a deputy stopped Travis Cochenet and Melissa Carlson on US-45 at Western Avenue in the Town of Polk. Both had active warrants and were taken into custody. Washington County Sheriff's Office K9 "Ryker" searched the vehicle and alerted on the front passenger door.
In that area, deputies found a scale with a white powder on it. The deputy located a children's bag with toys, clothes and snacks. A purse was located inside the bag with razor blades, fentanyl residue, as well as other paraphernalia.
Another container with a white powder residue was located concealed inside of a toy purse. Several other items of paraphernalia as well as marijuana were located inside the car.
Cochenet and Carlson have a 16-month-old baby.
"These were actual children’s stuff that these items were in, which was scary for us because fentanyl, in particular, is such a dangerous substance. It's just scary what the outcome could have been," said Lt. Tim Kemps.
Carlson was taken to jail and striped searched. She denied having contraband on her but she was seeing walking in a suspicious manner. The corrections officer put Carlson through their body scanner and it showed drugs were concealed inside of her along with an earring.
"In a small bound up tissue was a ring-like an earring and inside that was a small rock of fentanyl ... it's really dangerous to conceal, it’s over 100 times more potent than heroin," said Lt. Rick Miller.
The body scanner machine was purchased in April and so far officers have conducted 7,400 scans.
"Its become a very good deterrent in turning people away from bringing in things they think they can hide and conceal," said Lt. Miller.
Lt. Miller said the officers involved and the scanner helped prevent what could have been a deadly scenario.
"This saved something from going really bad if this person would have kept this fentanyl within herself and get absorbed in the system," said Miller.
"This is great example of the patrol and jail divisions working together with the tools they are provided to combat the opioid epidemic right here in Washington County," said Sheriff Martin Schulteis. "Keeping contraband out of the jail, especially dangerous drugs such as fentanyl is a top priority of our agency. The smallest amount of this substance can have lethal consequences to inmates and staff. We are appreciative of our staff's outstanding work in this case.
Travis Cochenet and Melissa Carlson both face felony drug charges.
The toddler was not in the vehicle during the arrest and the case has been referred to Child Protective Services.
