The Allen Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Patrol Unit made arrests earlier this month in two traffic stops.
August 3
On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the Allen Parish Criminal Patrol Unit initiated a traffic stop on a 2006 Ford Fusion on North Seventh Street in Oakdale.
The driver, who was identified as Joshua Swarthout, failed to stop and continued to drive until being blocked in by other sheriff’s vehicles. As deputies approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, Swarthout tossed bags of illegal drugs out of the passenger’s window, which was caught on video from the deputy’s vehicle. Deputies were able to recover 32 grams of methamphetamine, 11 grams of marijuana, digital scales and clear plastic bags.
As a result, Swarthout was taken into custody and booked into the Allen Parish Detention Center at approximately 6:44 p.m. on the following charges of manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute CDS (controlled dangerous substance) – Schedule I, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, use or possession with intent to use, vehicles without required equipment, no seat belt, manufacture / distribution of CDS – Schedule II or possession with intent to distribute and obstruction of justice. Bond was set at $94,150.
August 8
On Monday, August 8, the Allen Parish Criminal Patrol Unit stopped a white 2009 Chevrolet Impala for speeding on state Hwy 1153 (North Blacktop Ext.) Oakdale.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Tabitha N. Harrington and the passenger was identified as Ashton Nicole Rodriguez, both of Oakdale. During the investigation both were found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Harrington and Rodriquez were taken into custody based on evidence seized during the traffic stop.
Days earlier the Allen Parish Narcotics Office started an investigation on Harrington. It was believed she was involved in the illegal sale of methamphetamine in the Oakdale area. Based on the evidence seized during that investigation, deputies obtained warrants for her arrest.
Both subjects were transported to the Allen Parish Detention Center and booked on the following.
Harrington was charged with maximum speed limit, possession of CDS – Schedule II – prohibited acts, use or possession with intent to use, manufacture / distribution of CDS – Schedule II or possession with intent to distribute, manufacture / distribution of CDS – Schedule II or possession with intent to distribute, possession of CDS – Schedule II – prohibited acts, use or possession with intent to use and two counts of warrant issued by the court. She was booked at approximately 5:33 p.m. into the jail and bond was set at $93,100.
Rodriguez also was booked into the jail at approximately 5:10 p.m. She was charged with possession of CDS – Schedule II – prohibited acts, use or Possession with intent to use, possession of CDS – Schedule I and obstruction of justice.
