OC Woman arrested on Multiple Drug Charges

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman this week on multiple drug charges during routine road patrol operations.  Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt gives details.  “52-year-old Brenda Rogers Bates was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center.  Arrest warrants list Bates address as 162 Ashley Drive in Walhalla, while a uniform traffic ticket lists Bates address as 161 A Whitewater Farms Road in Tamassee.  According to deputies, an older Chevy vehicle was traveling on West-Oak Highway on the centerline of the road.  When a deputy noticed this happen a third time, a traffic stop was initiated in the 8500 block of West-Oak Highway.  The deputy identified Bates as the driver and according to the deputy; Bates appeared to be staggering when the deputy was speaking with her as though she may have been impaired.  Bates reportedly told the deputy that she was not on medication and that there was not anything illegal in the vehicle after being asked by the deputy.  Bates then gave the deputy consent to search the vehicle.  After receiving the consent, the deputy searched Bates’ purse, whereupon he found a small bag inside the purse that appeared to contain marijuana.  In addition, the deputy found a spoon and two syringes, which are consistent with the use of methamphetamine.  The deputy also discovered three baggies, which appeared to contain meth, plus, four different pill bottles that contained a combined total of 31 pills believed by the deputy to be narcotics.  Other items, including a scale and a few other bags were found as well.” Bates was charged with simple possession of marijuana and violation of the county’s drug paraphernalia ordinance.  She was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine as well as possession with intent to distribute two controlled substances.