A 63 year old Phoenix grandmother is accused of trying to carry about half a million dollars worth of cocaine from Las Vegas to Detroit, according to federal prosecutors and local news reports.
Cheryl was arrested after arriving at Detroit Metro Airport on a Delta flight from Las Vegas. Authorities say airport staff alerted agents when she picked up two large suitcases at baggage claim and appeared not to recognize them. Agents reportedly followed her to a hotel in Southfield and then watched her get into a waiting SUV. A state trooper stopped the vehicle at the agents’ request, and a police dog reportedly alerted to drugs inside.
Prosecutors say the bags held 17 kilograms of cocaine. Federal authorities charged Cheryl with possession with intent to distribute. According to reports, her one phone call went to a contact saved in her phone as “Loverboy,” and investigators have not said who that person is.
A magistrate judge ordered her held without bond, citing her age and a criminal history that prosecutors described in court. Her public defender argued that she has serious health problems and no history of violent crime, and that she needs treatment rather than jail. The charge is an accusation, and she has not been convicted of this offense.
The DEA declined to comment on the specifics of the case.
