Two Waynesboro women face drug charges

The Waynesboro Police Department arrested two city women on various charges dating to Aug. 19.

The arrest came after a joint investigation by the Skyline Task Force and Virginia State Police led to the discovery of methamphetamine distribution at a city residence.

Amanda Dawn Branch, 32 years old, and Sierra Nicole Baber, 18 years old, were both arrested after agents went to 318 13^th Street, Branch’s residence, to serve a search warrant as part of a check fraud investigation.

During their search, agents found evidence of methamphetamine distribution. A second search warrant was obtained for narcotics.  As a result, agents recovered methamphetamine and related packaging material, scales and baggies. Also, two boys aged 16 and 11, were staying in the room where the methamphetamine was found.  They are related to one of the women.

Branch is facing the following felony charges:

• Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
• Two counts of Child Neglect

Baber is facing one felony charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.  She was also arrested on a misdemeanor capias from Staunton General District Court.  Both women are being held at Middle River Regional Jail.

The two juveniles were given to the custody of other family members.  The Department of Social Services was present and assisted with the case.

The Skyline Task Force is made up of members of the Waynesboro Police Department, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, Staunton Police Department, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Virginia National Guard, Drug Enforcement Agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.