Felony charges follow traffic stop

Melissa Sue Dillman, 28, Waupaca, is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating while revoked.

Kayla N. Smith, 27, Pine River, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor child neglect.

Shortly before noon on Sept. 3, Waupaca Police Officer Brent Wittman stopped a vehicle near the corner of South Washington and West Union streets because the vehicle’s registration was suspended due to unpaid parking tickets.

Dillman was the driver, Smith was the front seat passenger and Smith’s infant daughter was in the back seat.

Department of Transportation records also indicated Dillman’s license was revoked.

On March 23, 2016, Dillman was convicted of a first-time drunken driving offense and given 60 days to pay an $885 fine.

On June 3, 2016, her license was suspended for failure to pay and it has not been reinstated.

According to court documents, Dillman is also on probation for two misdemeanor drug-related convictions on Aug. 20, 2019.

During the Sept. 3 traffic stop, Waupaca County Deputies Justin Malueg and James Santiago arrived to assist.

The deputies observed a needle cap in the driver’s seat.

According to the criminal complaint, inside the car the officers found more than $1,000 in small bills, needles loaded with suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The officers report both Smith and Dillman said the cash and the meth belonged to them.

Smith has also been charged with burglary as party to a crime.

The victim’s mother told police someone stole a large amount of cash from her daughter, who was incarcerated in Waupaca County jail at the time.

Waupaca Police Officer Thomas Grant reported Smith and Dillman exchanged Facebook messages about taking money from the victim’s bedroom.

Smith was released from custody after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

Dillman was released on a $1,000 signature bond.