Michelle L. Zbranek

     The Sheriff's Office has arrested a Midway woman, 41 year old MICHELLE LYNN ZBRANEK, on drug charges after she was pulled over for a traffic violation on the evening of July 17th.

     Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Zappa was patrolling the area of State Highway 5 South near Sheid Road.  He observed a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck pass by with no tail lamps.  Deputy Zappa initiated a traffic stop at 11:05 PM near a gas station/convenience store in Norfork. 

     The driver of the vehicle was identified as MICHELLE ZBRANEK.  It was determined that her driver license was suspended.   There was a male passenger in the vehicle, 40 year old JEREMI WITT.  WITT was found to be on parole and to have a misdemeanor warrant from Marion County.  A search waiver was on file.

    ZBRANEK and WITT were both placed under arrest and taken into custody.  A search of the vehicle was then conducted.   The Deputy found small amounts of methamphetamine, suboxone, and xanax in the vehicle, as well as a used syringe.  ZBRANEK claimed all of these items belonged to her, and none to WITT.

     Both ZBRANEK and WITT were transported to the Baxter County Detention Center.  WITT was later released from custody on his own recognizance for the Marion County warrant, while MICHELLE ZBRANEK was booked on charges of:

Possession of Controlled Substance (2 counts) - Felonies
Possession of Controlled Substance - Misdemeanor
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Felony
Driving While License Suspended - Misdemeanor
No Tail Lamps - Misdemeanor

     MICHELLE ZBRANEK was released from custody after posting $5,000 bond.  She will appear before the Baxter County Circuit Court to answer on July 23rd.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff