Woman Charged With Felony After Concealing Drugs During Search

Darielle Lerona Thomas, 34, of Palm Coast, was arrested by Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies on January 20, 2025, after a high-speed pursuit that began when a license plate reader flagged her vehicle on State Route 11. Deputy Guinup observed Thomas driving a grey 2016 Mercedes SUV at 81 mph in a 60 mph zone at approximately 1:35 AM.

When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, Thomas accelerated to approximately 100 mph. The pursuit continued until Sergeant Gamarra deployed tire deflation devices near Old Haw Creek Road in Bunnell, disabling the Mercedes after it struck the stop sticks.

Deputies detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. They located marijuana residue on the floorboard and in the center console. Thomas admitted to smoking marijuana while driving home from Deland.

During a search conducted by a female deputy, Deputy Prevatt discovered Thomas had concealed a baggy of marijuana inside her body. Thomas initially denied having anything concealed but later admitted after being read her Miranda rights that she had hidden the marijuana specifically to prevent law enforcement from finding it.

Thomas was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, a felony under Florida Statute 918.13.1.A, and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, a misdemeanor under Florida Statute 893.13.6.B. The concealment of the marijuana elevated what would have been a simple possession misdemeanor to a felony charge.