Maryland Woman Found Guilty in Effingham County of Drug Trafficking

A Maryland woman has been found guilty in Effingham County of cannabis trafficking.

41-year-old Alyson Rodriguez was arrested last February by Effingham County Sheriff's deputies. Rodriguez was traveling eastbound on Route 40 coming into Effingham just after 1am. Authorities said the unit Rodriguez was driving was a rental vehicle and said she appeared very nervous and confused.

A K-9 search of the vehicle indicated a positive response to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed approximately 60 pounds of cannabis in the trunk, as well as a small amount of cocaine and a plastic straw testing positive for cocaine in the driver's purse.

Rodriguez was found guilty in a one-day trial Wednesday. The jury needed just 20 minutes to reach a verdict.

The trial was held despite Rodriguez being absent. Following the conviction, Judge Allan Lolie issued a "no bond" warrant. That means Rodriguez will be sentenced once she is in custody.

Cannabis trafficking is a Class X felony, and 12 to 60 years in prison is a possibility.