Drug Arrest During Holiday Traffic Stop Raises Child Safety Concerns in Polk County

Photos Courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office.

A New Year’s Eve traffic stop along U.S. Highway 59 in Polk County led to the arrest of two Louisiana residents on marijuana and evidence-tampering charges, while also raising serious concerns about child safety, according to information released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

On December 31, 2025, investigators with the Polk County Narcotics Division were conducting traffic enforcement along U.S. Highway 59 North near Leggett due to increased holiday travel when they observed a white Ford Fusion commit a traffic violation.

Investigators initiated a traffic stop and reported seeing both occupants reaching into the middle and rear floorboard area of the vehicle, attempting to conceal suspected contraband as the vehicle slowed.

While making contact with the passenger, investigators detected the odor of freshly smoked marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Daijah Brown of Monroe, Louisiana, handed deputies a package of marijuana and admitted that she and the driver had recently smoked marijuana inside the vehicle.

During the encounter, investigators observed two young children — ages 5 and 2 — seated in the backseat. Authorities reported that one child was not secured in an approved child safety seat for her age, while the other child was not in a safety seat and was restrained only by a seatbelt.

The driver was identified as Lamondre Harrell, also of Monroe, Louisiana. Investigators determined Harrell was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. The vehicle’s registration was expired, and the car was not insured.

Harrell was asked to exit the vehicle, at which time investigators observed marijuana on his clothing, consistent with marijuana being broken up while the vehicle was in motion. Deputies also reported that Harrell was in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency.

As the investigation continued, Brown was asked to secure the children and exit the vehicle so a probable cause search could be conducted. When she attempted to remove a diaper bag from the vehicle, investigators instructed her to leave it inside for the search. Brown then informed deputies that additional marijuana was located inside the diaper bag.

A search of the diaper bag revealed five additional packages of marijuana, along with a paper bag containing pre-weighed amounts of marijuana consistent with packaging for distribution. Investigators later recovered approximately 3.5 ounces of high-grade marijuana from the vehicle.

Harrell admitted that he and Brown had purchased the marijuana in Houston and that it belonged to both of them.

Both Harrell and Brown were arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana over 2 ounces under 4 ounces and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Harrell was transported to the Polk County Jail and released to jail staff without incident. Brown and her two children were transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where arrangements were made for the children to be safely released to a responsible family member. Brown was later booked into the Polk County Jail.

In a joint statement, Sheriff Byron Lyons and Chief Anthony Lowrie emphasized the public safety concerns highlighted by the arrest.

“This case highlights the very real dangers that come with transporting illegal drugs, especially when children are involved,” the statement read. “Our deputies and investigators are committed to enforcing the law while ensuring the safety and welfare of innocent children caught in these situations. We will continue to be proactive on our roadways and hold offenders accountable when their choices place others at risk.”

Both individuals are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.