Illicit drugs discovered and seized at La Grande Inn
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, April 17th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE — NOTE: The following information is unrelated to the earlier police response at the Hampton Inn. The LGPD report they were waiting for an arrest warrant prior to releasing this information to media:
(Press Release from the La Grande)
On March 9, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a La Grande Police Department (LGPD) officer on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the La Grande Inn. Upon further investigation, the officer noted the vehicle was unoccupied, with its doors open. In plain view inside the vehicle were what appeared to be illicit drugs, along with a purse. The officer contacted hotel staff and learned the vehicle was registered to Molly Johnson, 58, of Baker City.
The officer was able to contact Johnson on scene. Based on the totality of the circumstances, the officer seized the vehicle and obtained a search warrant. During the subsequent search, officers located approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, 1 gram of cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.
Based on mitigating factors, Johnson was not lodged at the time of the investigation. The case was presented to the Union County Grand Jury and Johnson currently has an active arrest warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) – Cocaine and PCS – Methamphetamine. Anyone with information regarding Johnson’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.
