COVINGTON, Ga. – A Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) HEAT (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) Unit arrested a McDonough woman on drug charges Thursday evening after initially stopping her for speeding.

According to a NCSO incident report, Deputy Damion Fray was patrolling Highway 212 in the area of Denny Dobbs Park just before 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10 when he observed a red Dodge Neon speeding as it traveled southbound toward Bethany Road. According to the report, the vehicle was clocked by radar driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.

According to the report, Fray initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Jessica McPherson, 34.  As McPherson handed Fray her driver’s license, she reportedly told him that she had just purchased the vehicle and stated that the registration tag did not belong to the vehicle. According to the report, the tag displayed on the vehicle returned to a 2005 Dodge Neon. The vehicle that was stopped was a 2003 Neon.

According to the report, McPherson was asked to exit the vehicle and then gave permission for it to be searched. A handbag reportedly belonging to McPherson was on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Inside the handbag was a smaller black purse. According to the report, inside the smaller black purse was a small, white, Ziplock baggie with what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine inside.

According to the report, when McPherson was asked about the drugs, she stated that she had a glass pipe in her clothing. When McPherson was searched, a small red purse was found. According to the report, inside that purse was a small, clear Ziplock baggie with what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine along with a burnt glass pipe with white powder residue inside.

According to the report, McPherson was arrested and charged with possession of schedule II drugs, possession of drug-related objects and speeding. She was transported to the Newton County Detention Center.