On July 6, 2012 the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit Investigators conducted a traffic stop on W. Orange Avenue on a vehicle driven by Catherine R. Claudio, 28.  Claudio was stopped due to driving while her license was suspended.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit responded to the scene, and following a positive alert from the K-9, Claudio’s vehicle was searched.  Search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, prescription narcotics, hypodermic syringes and various other narcotics equipment.

Following the traffic stop, Claudio’s residence located at 685 W Orange Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, was subsequently searched.  During the search of the residence, several containers of methamphetamine oil were recovered along with more hypodermic syringes, cook vessels, razor blades and various other narcotics equipment.

Claudio was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Possession of Controlled Substance (Prescription Drugs), Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Narcotics Equipment.

Claudio was transported to the Walton County Department of Corrections for first appearance and bond to be set.  Claudio’s two minor children that were with her at the time of the traffic stop were released to the Department of Children and Families Investigators.