On 12 /23/2025, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a passenger vehicle for a traffic violation on Hwy 103 E near Etoile, TX. The vehicle was occupied by Molly Elizabeth Bowling 53 y/o and Lillyana Marie Pena 18 y/o both subjects have recently moved to Chireno, Texas.
During the roadside interview, both subjects displayed nervous behaviors and gave conflicting statements in regards to their travels. Deputies requested for consent to search the vehicle but consent was denied. Deputies suspected criminal activity due to how both subjects were acting.
A DPS K-9 unit was requested to the scene for assistance. DPS K-9 performed an open-air search of the vehicle and a positive alert was given for the presence of narcotics. Due to the K-9 alerting on the vehicle, this gave Deputies probable cause to conduct a search of the motor vehicle.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 880 grams of methamphetamine (nearly 2 pounds) and approximately 105 grams of unprescribed prescription medication that was destined to the small community of Chireno.
Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail. Both Subjects were charged with two counts of Manufacture/ Delivery of a Controlled Substance a 1st degree and 2nd degree felony. They were booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.
The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office.
Bonds were set on both subjects at 100,000.00 dollars for each charge by the on-call magistrate. Both subjects made bond on Thursday 12-25-2025 and were released from jail, pending a court date.
This investigation is ongoing by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office.