The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has dropped drug charges against two women in connection with an April 19 traffic stop in De Soto, authorities reported Friday (April 24).
Holly Politte, 37, De Soto, had been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute it, a class B felony. Martha Ervin, 50, of Bonne Terre, had been charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony.
The women had been held at the Jefferson County Jail, each on a $50,000 cash-only bond, but were released when charges were dropped.
Politte and Ervin were arrested during the traffic stop, De Soto Police reported.
On April 24, De Soto Police Detective Rick Draper said, “The case was dismissed by prosecutorial discretion. After having met with the Prosecutor’s Office, both the prosecutor and our agency determined this was the best course of action. We have no additional comments regarding this matter.”
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Forrest Wegge had a similar statement.
“After receiving and reviewing the entire investigation file and consulting with the De Soto Police Department, my office determined this (dropping charges) was the only appropriate decision under case law,” he said.
He said he would make no further comment.
The Leader’s story posted on April 24 did not include the comment from De Soto Police that was given to the newspaper earlier that day. The Leader apologizes for the error.