Two Bogalusa women were taken into custody Saturday, after a traffic stop for erratic driving led to their arrests on drug-related charges, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

While patrolling on Louisiana Highway 60, Washington Parish Patrol Sergeant Jay Dupre observed a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner, Haley said.

“Sgt. Dupre initiated a traffic stop and encountered two female occupants,” Haley said. “The driver, Kasey E. Woodard, 27, a resident of Highway 21 south of Bogalusa, had a suspended Louisiana driver’s license.”

After obtaining permission to search the vehicle, Dupre discovered a quantity of methamphetamine and Suboxone, Haley said. Patrol Deputy James Gregorio arrived to assist and both the driver and passenger, Melissa Lee Miller Thomas, 40, a resident of Willa Villa in Bogalusa, were placed under arrest and transported to the Washington Parish Jail.

As of Monday morning, both remained in jail with their bond set at $10,000 on charges of possession of illegal narcotics, Haley said. Additionally, Woodard is charged with traffic offenses.

Haley said that each woman has been in the Washington Parish Jail several times. Woodard’s arrest record dates to 2009 and includes five arrests for various charges including forgery, drug offenses and burglary. Thomas has been in the jail at least eight times since 2006 on charges including numerous drug offenses, auto theft, burglary, firearm theft, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

“The future doesn’t look bright for these women,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said, “unless they can make a dramatic change in their lifestyles. Their choices thus far have produced nothing positive.

“Let’s hope they make positive future choices. Thanks, Sgt. Dupre, Deputy Gregorio and all of our officers, for all you do.”