The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Narcotics divisions made multiple arrests in the Crossroads Community on Thursday, Jan. 30, following traffic stops and a safety checkpoint.

Narcotics investigators conducted a traffic stop on Highway 43, south of Highway 26, for a traffic violation. The driver, Narada McGill, 21, of Poplarville, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after a probable cause search of the vehicle.

In a separate incident, patrol deputies encountered an all-terrain vehicle being operated on Highway 43 near Highway 26. The driver, David Lavinghouse, 46, of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was found in possession of a shotgun and drug paraphernalia. A background check revealed that Lavinghouse is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

At a safety checkpoint at Highway 26 and Waterpark Road intersection, deputies stopped a vehicle by Katie Mascaro, 31, of Picayune. Three passengers were identified as Sadie Crain, 29, of Picayune; Marrion Boudreaux, 30, of Carriere; and Edward Gros, 23, of Picayune. A probable cause search led to the discovery of a distribution amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities determined that Mascaro was driving under the influence.

Mascaro was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence. Crain, Gros, and Boudreaux were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Later, narcotics investigators made contact with a couple walking along Highway 26. The individuals were identified as Robert Bellais, 45, and Veronica Bellais, 46, of Poplarville. Investigators observed the couple attempting to discard a pack of cigarettes, which was later found to contain what appeared to be methamphetamine. Both were arrested for tampering with evidence and possession of methamphetamine.

Sheriff David Allison expressed gratitude for the community’s partnership and praised his deputies’ dedication to combating crime.

“The hard work and commitment of our deputies, along with the support from our community, help make Pearl River County a safer place,” Allison said.