Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Aug 18, 2020
State of Missouri vs. Melissa Ann Glaze
Melissa Glaze appealed her convictions for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia following a bench trial. She challenged the sufficiency of the evidence, arguing the State failed to prove she had knowledge of and intent to control the contraband found in a vehicle she jointly occupied. The appellate court affirmed, finding sufficient additional incriminating circumstances, such as superior access to the contraband, its proximity to her personal belongings, her nervous demeanor, and her actions, to support the inference of knowing possession.