A traffic stop on Highway 59 North in the Leggett area led to a large drug bust on the final day of 2025.
Investigators with the Polk County Narcotics Division were conducting traffic enforcement on the highway due to the high volume of holiday traffic. Narcotics investigators observed a white Ford Fusion commit a violation of the Texas Transportation Code and initiated a traffic stop.
While attempting to get the vehicle to stop, investigators observed both occupants reaching around in the middle and back floorboard of the vehicle, which police said was an attempt to conceal suspected contraband.
Once stopped, and while making contact on the passenger side, investigators detected the odor of smoked marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. When asked how much was inside the vehicle, the female passenger, identified as Daijah Brown, 28, of Monroe, La., handed investigators a package of marijuana, stating that was all the marijuana in the vehicle. Brown also admitted that she and the driver, identified as Lamondre Daquan McFarland-Harrell, 28, of Mangham, La., had recently smoked marijuana inside the vehicle.
During the contact, investigators observed two children, ages five and two, seated in the back. One child was not secured in an approved child safety seat for her age, and the other child was not in a safety seat at all, only secured by a seatbelt.
Investigators determined McFarland-Harrell was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration expired in 2024, and the vehicle was not insured.
McFarland-Harrell was instructed to exit the vehicle, at which time marijuana was observed on his pants, consistent with marijuana being broken up while the vehicle was in motion. He was also found to be in possession of a large quantity of currency.
Brown was asked to secure the children and exit the vehicle for a probable cause search to be conducted. As she exited the vehicle, Brown attempted to take a diaper bag belonging to the children. When instructed to leave the bag inside the vehicle for the search, Brown informed investigators that additional bags of marijuana were inside the diaper bag.
A search of the diaper bag revealed five additional packages of marijuana, along with a paper bag containing pre-weighed amounts of marijuana consistent with packaging for distribution.
McFarland-Harrell later admitted to investigators that he and Brown had purchased the marijuana in Houston, and that it belonged to them both. In total, approximately 3.5 ounces of high-grade marijuana was recovered from the vehicle.
Both Brown and McFarland-Harrell were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana between two and four ounces, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. McFarland-Harrell was also charged with no driver’s license and no financial responsibility.
McFarland-Harrell was transported to the Polk County Jail and released to jail staff without incident. Brown and her two children were transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where arrangements were made for the children to be released to a responsible family member. After the safe transfer of the children, Brown was booked into the Polk County Jail.
Sheriff Byron Lyons and Chief Anthony Lowrie issued a joint statement on the incident.
“This case highlights the very real dangers that come with transporting illegal drugs, especially when children are involved. Our deputies and investigators are committed to enforcing the law while ensuring the safety and welfare of innocent children caught in these situations. We will continue to be proactive on our roadways and hold offenders accountable when their choices place others at risk.”
Discharging a firearm in the early morning hours of Jan. 1 cost three from Livingston multiple charges and a trip to the Polk County Jail.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of deadly conduct off Holly Hill Road in Livingston. Deputies responded to the scene and began an investigation. Deputies and detectives were able to identify suspects in the incident.
Lacey Danielle Honeycutt-Ogden, 40, was charged with three counts of deadly conduct discharge firearm and two counts of parent contributing to non-attendance. Bronsyn Ray Ogden, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile were each charged with three counts of deadly conduct.
