By Joe Bachman

A 54-year-old woman is charged with possession of narcotics after officers found drugs in the defendant’s purse.

According to police reports, on Jun. 23, officers responded to a complaint from a business on Elm St. that an employee may be in possession of illegal substances. Police spoke to the manager, who prior to calling, searched through an employee’s purse, identified as Delores Seif, of Wisconsin Rapids, and found what she believed to be drugs.

Officers observed the contents of the purse and found pieces of tin foil, a straw, and a white, powdery substance believed to be heroin. Upon contact, Seif told officers that her purse had been lost for two days, and she had just found it last night.

Seif denied that the heroin belonged to her, nor did she use the drug, or associate with anyone who does.

According to the manager, Seif had been working at the establishment all week, and had brought her purse to work every day.

Court records indicate that Seif appeared in court on Feb. 22 in Portage County for a charge of retail theft, and was out on a signature bond on the condition that she commit no further crimes.

If convicted, Seif faces up to nine years and six months imprisonment and up to $20,000 in fines. She will face a jury on Oct. 5.