Late Night Drug Bust

By Raul Fernandez

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — On September 11, 2025, Yanira Meza appeared before Judge Dobrovolny for sentencing on one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance.

Her defense attorney, Mr. Madelung, when given a chance for comment, explained that this was a case of the wrong place at the wrong time. He went on to say that it was in the driver’s possession, but once the lights started flashing, he told his passenger, Meza, to hold on to it. He stated that the day spent in jail was very eye opening for his client. He went on to recommend max fines and/or probation.

Judge Dobrovolny, while considering an appropriate sentence, took into consideration the words of the defense attorney, but went on to say “I don’t believe you had no idea what’s going on” referring to his experience as a judge with familiar cases. Even though there was no violence in this incident nor victims, he did acknowledge that the substance was a threat to our community. He also clarified for the record that this was Meza’s first offense of any substance, but regarding the people in her life and the activities they are involved in “I hope you’re not naive” was his final statement before deciding her sentence.

The facts that the Judge used for his decision are as follows :

On March 30, 2025 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Trooper Swantek requested assistance to a traffic stop on Hwy 26 and mm 21 DUI in nature. The assisting officer was tasked with staying with the vehicle as it was being towed due to no proof of insurance. The assisting officer was also tasked with doing an inventory search of the car prior to tow, which he communicated to Yanira Meza who was the passenger and owner of the vehicle.

The passenger stayed in the vehicle until the tow truck came. Once the search started, three small ziplock baggies containing a white powdery substance was found on the passenger floor and two more baggies were later found under the passenger seat. The substance was field tested and after testing positive for cocaine the passenger was then handcuffed and transported to the county jail.

While on probation, Meza was ordered to attend counseling to help make sure this is a one time occurance.