NEWS RELEASE - Jackson County Sheriff's Department

On October 22, 2019 at approximately 10 PM Deputy Elliott stopped a passenger car for driving all over the roadway. The traffic stop was conducted at David St and Washington St in Medora. When Deputy Elliott approached the vehicle, the passenger car was being driven by a female that identified herself as Karen Benge. Karen was holding a 2 month old baby in her lap. Karen stated that she had the baby on her lap from the time she left Sparksville and was going to her residence in Vallonia. Deputy Elliott noticed signs of impairment from Karen's driving behavior and her actions once speaking with her. The mother of the 2 month old was contacted by Jackson County Dispatch to come and pick the
child up. Once the child was properly taken care of and in custody of the mother, Deputy Elliott conducted field sobriety on Karen. Karen failed field sobriety and was placed under arrest at this time. Karen then did not consent to a chemical test.

While searching Karen's vehicle, Deputy Elliott located several illegal substances. In Karen's bag on the top of the center console there was approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, 7.5 grams of marijuana, 2 controlled substances, and 2 pills that were for prescription only.

After Karen did not consent to a chemical test, Deputy Elliott and Reserve Deputy Hinton transported Karen to Schneck Medical Center where a search warrant was obtained for a chemical test. Deputy Barker stayed on scene with the vehicle until Dave's Towing arrived to tow the vehicle.

Karen was then transported to the Jackson County Jail and booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, neglect of a dependent, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of a controlled substance x2, violation of legend drug x2, and OWI endangerment.

Assisting in the case- Deputy Brad Barker, Reserve Deputy John Hinton, and Dave's Towing.