By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com

After a traffic stop resulted in a search, driver and the passenger, 43-year-old Danielle M. Young, Liberty, and 27-year-old Kimberly M. Barker, have been charged with two counts of drug trafficking.

On Sunday, July 24, Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle coming from a house that has been associated with drug trafficking and stolen cars.

After an assist from Kearney K9 Havoc alerted deputies to the presence of drugs inside the car, the law enforcement officials secured a warrant where they searched the vehicle and found what was later determined to be 178 fentanyl pills, 116 grams of meth and three morphine pills. The drugs were found in the center console in the storage area under the vehicle’s “infotainment” center.

According to the probable cause statement, members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit were conducting surveillance on a house in the 4200 block of North Brighton. The two women were allegedly seen leaving the residence and failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign near Northwest Wynn Road and 42nd Terrace. The vehicle also stopped beyond the solid white line coming to a crosswalk at Northeast 42nd Terrace and Chouteau Trafficway. The two were pulled over.

Young allegedly refused consent to search the vehicle. The deputies then requested assistance from a narcotics dog and that is when K9 Havoc was brought down.

According to the probable cause statement, Barker is currently on probation for possession of a controlled substance.

Young is being held on a $25,000 bond, and Barker on $25,000. For Young, the court entered a plea of not guilty on July 28. Initially her bond was set at $100,000. Her next hearing is slated for Aug. 28.

During Barker’s hearing July 28, Barker appeared via video. She entered a plea of not guilty. Initially her bond was set at $100,000. Her next court date will be Aug. 5.

Barker is in the Clay County Detention Center. Young was able to post bail.