Lansford teen charged with drug possession

Kasara Shields, 18, of 104 Springgarden St., Lansford, faces charges from an incident which took place at 1:15 a.m. May 21 at Walnut and Water streets. Charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia were filed by Lansford Officer Joshua Tom.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, here's what happened:

While on patrol, Tom saw three people enter the woods at the top of south Walnut Street and stopped the group several yards past the wood line. He knew them from previous dealings, identifying them as Justin Schmidt, Rocco Westpy and Shields.

While advising the Carbon County communications center of the situation and calling for backup, Tom saw that Shields was hiding behind Westpy, and heard what sounded like a metal object hitting the ground. He got out of the cruiser and asked Shields what she had just thrown. Tom saw a blue and silver Altoids container on the ground. Shields picked it up and handed it to Tom. He asked her if it was hers, and she replied that it was.

Tom opened the container and found a small amount of marijuana inside.

He asked Shields if she had anything else illegal on her person, and she voluntarily handed him a multicolored glass pipe that contained marijuana residue.

Tom advised Shields of the charges that would be filed against her and released her.