A Fort Dodge woman faces several drug charges from an incident that occurred in Greene County.

According to court documents, 27-year-old Leigha Welch was charged with a Class D Felony for her third or subsequent offense for possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanors for possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a prescription drug. The charges stem from a traffic stop on November 24th. 

A Greene County Deputy stopped Welch for speeding on N Avenue near 150th Street, east of Churdan. During the stop, the deputy conducted a probable cause search following a comment made by Welch who admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and her passenger, Jennifer Kayse Jane Barkalow who admitted that there was a marijuana joint on the floor of the vehicle. The deputy found controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a prescription drug during the search. The deputy seized the items and had them tested. The results were positive for marijuana. 

Welch has had three drug possession convictions within the last 12 years. One of those convictions was for possession of methamphetamine. Welch was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail where she was released under her own recognizance. Barkalow was also charged with her first offense for possession of marijuana. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.