A couple traveling from New York to Pennsylvania spent one month in jail for transporting soap in their car. According to reports by WPTV, Annadel Cruz, 26, and her boyfriend, Alexander Bernstein, 30, were traveling through Pennsylvania when they were stopped by police for going five miles over the speed limit.
Police officers searched their rental car without a warrant and discovered a powdery substance wrapped in tape on the side of the car. A police officer believed the soap was two pounds of cocaine that would be sold.
Once the officers discovered a small amount of marijuana in Cruz’s bra, they arrested the couple and charged them with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy.
Cruz’s bail was set at $250,000 and Bernstein’s bail was $500,000. Unable to pay the bail, the couple spent one month in jail and missed Thanksgiving with their families.
However, all charges were recently dropped after officers finally did a test on the substance and discovered it was just soap. The couple hired a lawyer who believes the arrests were racially motivated since Cruz is Hispanic.
They are asking for an investigation of the arresting officers and could seek legal action against the police department.
