LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Tommy Houston along with Deputy Landry Collett arrested Chola Maria Bertram age 46 of Naples, Florida early Monday morning July 12, 2021 at approximately 2:41 AM.
The arrest occurred on I–75 off the southbound lanes approximately 4 miles north of London after deputies were dispatched to an injury traffic crash there.
When deputies arrived at the scene they noted observing a gray colored Kia Sportage overturned behind a guard rail.
Deputies learned from EMTs on the scene that the driver had allegedly been attempting to discard or conceal something behind the vehicle in the woods before deputies arrived at the scene.
Deputies located:
- Several baggies
- Digital scales
- A mirror with residue
Deputies determined through investigation that the driver was under the influence.
The driver stated that the residue on the mirror was Cocaine.
The driver stated she was traveling from Ohio to Florida.
Deputies also located containers of a white substance and containers of a brown substance believed to be Cocaine inside the vehicle.
Chola Maria Bertram was charged with:
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense
- Driving on DUI suspended license – first offense
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Cocaine
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of crash site attached to this report.
