by Joe Bachman

An 18-year-old faces charges of heroin possession after police say they found the substance, along with drug paraphernalia, in her possession.

Taylor Champa, of Wisconsin Rapids, is charged with possession of heroin with intent to sell, as well as possession of marijuana.

According to police reports on Jun. 5, an officer initiated a routine traffic stop on the corner of 8th St. and Saratoga St. in Wisconsin Rapids for failure to display a license plate. The passenger, identified as Champa, was riding with three others at the time. The vehicle was registered to Champa.

After observing the behavior of the two passengers in the back seat, the officer believed them to be under the influence of an intoxicant. The officer also observed an orange needle cap on the floor of the vehicle.

The K-9 unit was called to perform a perimeter sniff of the vehicle which indicated positive to the presence of illegal substances inside. After a search of the vehicle police found a purse containing a digital scale, six empty dime bags, two razor blades, a methamphetamine pipe, and unused alcohol wipes.

Also found was a bag containing a leafy substance believed to be marijuana, another digital scale, tin cooking pots, and a package of cotton balls.

Champa was arrested and afterwards she retrieved two plastic baggies from her bra and underwear she identified as heroin. Also in her possession was a container with several E404 pills inside identified as Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine, as well as a pill with an R35 imprint, identified as Clonazepam.

Tests would later confirm that the substances found on Champa to be heroin and marijuana.

If convicted, Champa faces up to 12 years and six months imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines. Her pre-trial conference is scheduled for Jul. 29. She is currently out on a $500 bond.