DPS check record, make drug arrest

MIDLAND A Department of Public Safety trooper pulling over a 41-year-old Carlsbad, N.M., woman Sunday found out she had more than 8 grams of cocaine and two outstanding warrants, according to court documents.

Elizabeth Sandoval Minner, 502 Laredo St., Carlsbad, was arrested and charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, a first-degree felony.

At about 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Cpl. Travis McRee stopped a 2009 Ford Fusion driven by Minner on a speeding violation, the arrest affidavit said. After doing a records check, McRee found she had a theft by check warrant from Ector County and a hold from the U.S. Marshals service, so he arrested Minner, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said Minner consented to a search of her vehicle, and McRee found a large amount of cash, a digital scale and two plastic bags in her purse containing 8.2 grams of what tested positive for cocaine. McRee also found text messages on her phone that led him to think Minner intended to sell the cocaine, the affidavit said.

Minner was being held Monday at the Midland County Central Detention Center without bond.