The arrests are the result of a several months long intensive investigation conducted by the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.

 

Agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Acosta and Escobar and at that time illegal substances were located.

 

Agents obtained a search warrant on the pair’s residence located in the area of Kimberly Drive in Leesville.

 

During the traffic stop and subsequent search of the residence approximately 50 THC Vapes, Various THC Products, 682 ecstasy tablets (MDMA), 920 grams of Marijuana, 56 grams of Cocaine, 128 grams of Mushrooms (Hallucinogenics), $1300.00 in cash, and one firearm were located and recovered.

 

Imelda Rivera Acosta was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic With the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession a Schedule I Narcotic (MDMA), one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic (28 grams or more). Bond was set at $50,500.00. A detainer for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been placed on Acosta and she remains in the VPSO jail.

 

Linda Escobar was arrested and charged with one count of Required Position and Method of Turning at Intersections, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and One count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic (28 grams or more). Bond was set at $ 51,135.00 and Escobar remains in the VPSO jail.

 

The investigation into this matter is still ongoing and additional charges are expected.

 

Sheriff Craft would like to commend VPNTF Agents on their diligence and hard work in relation to this investigation. The success of this investigation is a prime example of what can be accomplished when citizens provide law enforcement with information relating to suspicious activities within their communities.