BUCKHANNON – A Volga woman was arrested after an officer discovered she was under the influence of a controlled substance during a traffic stop.
Beverly Helmick, 45, of Volga, W.Va. was arrested Tuesday for possession with intent to deliver and DUI with a controlled substance.
According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office, deputy TR Collins with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office observed a Black Dodge Charger being driven by a female allegedly not wearing her seatbelt, so he activated his blue lights and pulled her over in the parking lot of Stockert Youth and Community Center.
The driver, Helmick, was identified by her West Virginia Driver’s License and admitted to not having a registration or valid insurance on her vehicle, according to the file. Collins asked her to step out of the vehicle and noticed she appeared to be nervous and had constricted pupils.
Collins asked Helmick to perform Field Sobriety Tests.
Helmick showed multiple signs of impairment, according to the file: “Eyelid tremors, redness to the nasal area, (WAT) starts too soon, cannot maintain balance, improper turn, raises arms for balance, (OLS) hops, sways while balancing, uses arms to balance, approximately 50 seconds to be 30 seconds.”
She allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine the day prior and told Collins she had not slept for over 24 hours.
A K9 at the scene positively indicated on Helmick’s vehicle, Collins wrote.
“A clear container with a white crystal-like substance was found inside the center console, along with a set of scales,” the file states. “During the search, a pistol and cash were found inside Beverly’s purse.”
Collins placed Helmick under arrest for DUI and advised her of her rights.
“While I was asking her about the illegal drugs in her car, Beverly admitted to having more illegal drugs at her house,” Collins wrote. “Beverly stated the drugs were located in her bathroom, along with other paraphernalia. Beverly also stated the estimated amount of methamphetamine was less than a ‘ball.'”
Bail was set at $28,000 cash or surety by Upshur County Magistrate Alan Suder.
The potential penalty for possession with intent to deliver is confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than 15 years, a fine of not more than $25,000, or both.
The potential penalty for DUI with a controlled substance is confinement in jail for not less than one day nor more than six months, a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, and they shall have their license to operate a motor vehicle revoked by the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles for a period of six months.
