Welch sentenced after striking plea deal

An Idaho woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a March traffic stop in Lincoln County District Court this week.

Rachel S. Welch, 26, of Sagle, Idaho, reached a deal with prosecutors earlier in the month. She pleaded guilty to criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing a peace officer and driving a motor vehicle while privilege to do so is suspended or revoked, all misdemeanors, on Aug. 10.

In return, prosecutors dropped a criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge with prejudice.

Under the terms of the plea deal, prosecutors recommended Welch pay $985 in fines and surcharges as well as serve three suspended six-month sentences concurrently.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Welch on March 8 after catching her allegedly driving a vehicle with a suspended license. Welch had switched seats with a male passenger, but witnesses saw the swap, according to court documents.

Although Welch reportedly became “very aggravated” while undergoing questioning, deputies gave her permission to leave. Welch, though, refused to part ways with the vehicle, authorities said.

After asking her several times to get out of the vehicle, deputies arrested Welch for obstruction, court documents said.

Law enforcement officials later found a glass pipe tucked into her bra, according to the affidavit. The device tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine, court documents said.

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down the sentence shortly after Welch changed her plea. Welch also will undergo substance abuse counseling and perform community service work.