| On March 23, 2016, the Harris County Sheriff’s department arrested 21-year-old Mariah Simmons after they confiscated pills from her that they believed were Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication.
On April 7, 2016, Simmons pled guilty in Harris County Criminal District Court to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to 12 days in the Harris County Jail, but was released after receiving credit for 15 days in custody after her arrest.
On April 29, 2016, tests performed on the pills by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences were negative for the presence of any controlled substance.
The lab informed the Harris County District Attorney’s conviction integrity unit, which notified Simmons’ attorney, who filed a motion supported by the prosecution to vacate her conviction.
On May 9, 2016, the motion was granted and the prosecution dismissed the charge.
– Maurice Possley
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