RITCHIE AUTHORITIES ARREST WOMAN ON DRUG CHARGES, CHILD NEGLECT OFFENSES

(05/09/2019)
A Washington County, Ohio woman faces child-neglect and drug charges after her arrest in Ritchie County on Monday.

According to a criminal complaint in Ritchie County Magistrate Court, Melissa Blair, 41, of Lower Salem, allegedly drove her vehicle under the influence with a child in the back seat. Authorities said she also had methamphetamine and other drugs in the car.

The complaint said deputies pulled Blair over after she was seen driving without a seatbelt.

Deputies said she was asked to get out of the vehicle and officers saw her remove a tin from her pocket and put it behind her back. The officer later found two pills that Blair said were Vicodin and Klonopin. Officers also found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in her possession.

According to deputies, Blair appeared to be under the influence and admitted to smoking marijuana. They said she showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests.

Authorities charged Blair with child neglect creating risk of injury, DUI with a minor in vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.

She remains in the North Central Regional Jail on a $25,000 bond.