Jessica Benefield-Pardue
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
A Stewartville woman was arrested two weeks ago on a drug-related charge that impacted children in her home.
Sheriff Michael Howell reported that on December 9, 33-year-old Jessica Rena-Vanzant Benefield-Parude of the Stewartville community was arrested on the charge of chemical endangerment of a child.
Howell said that there were allegations of drug use in Benefield-Pardue’s home. After opening an investigation into those allegations, it was determined that children residing with her tested positive for an illegal drug, specifically methamphetamine.
Howell added that Benefield-Pardue also tested positive for meth.
The investigation culminated in her being arrested on the chemical endangerment charge. Her bond was set at $5,000, and on December 16 she was released on bond to await trial.
