FARMINGTON – A Farmington woman has been arrested and charged on suspicion of being in possession of 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.

Mariah Jones, 30, was arraigned in federal court May 20 on a three-count charge, including intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jones was indicted April 23 by a federal grand jury and will remain in custody pending trial.

According to a news release sent by the Department of Justice as well as court documents, Jones was in possession of 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm Feb. 24, 2020. The amount of controlled substance was enough to be considered intent to distribute and because of a previous conviction, Jones was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

As a previously convicted felon, Jones cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition, in this case a Remington .22-caliber rifle, and it is a crime to possess a firearm in relation to or in the furtherance of drug trafficking, according to the release and court documents.

If convicted, Jones faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com