FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Two people were arrested on felony drug charges after Stafford County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of suspicious people outside a Holiday Inn near Fredericksburg, authorities said.
Deputies were called to the Holiday Inn at 20 Sanford Drive at about 12:20 p.m. on Friday to investigate a report that two people were stumbling around outside the hotel.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, deputies contacted the pair and observed signs of impairment in one of the suspects, including an inability to stay awake and unusually large pupils.
A search of the suspect's backpack allegedly uncovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Both individuals were taken into custody.
Authorities identified the suspects as Paul Damanda, 57, of Woodbridge, and Brittany Beal, 33, of Manassas. Each was charged with two counts of possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance.
Damanda was released on an unsecured bond, according to the Sheriff's Office.
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Beal was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail following her arrest. Court records show she faces two Class 5 felony counts of possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance in Stafford County. Her arraignment was continued July 27, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16.
The Sheriff's Office said the suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia were seized and submitted into evidence.
Court records also indicate Beal has pending unrelated cases in Fairfax County, including a felony drug possession charge and a public intoxication charge. Those matters remain pending and are separate from the Stafford County case.
As with all criminal charges, the allegations against both defendants have not been proven in court.
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