GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia mother begged a judge Thursday to let her out of jail.
Police arrested Jessica Bess Wednesday night for allegedly driving drunk with her two young children inside the car.
According to the prosecution, Bess had a clean criminal record.
She told a judge she needs her $50,000 bond lowered so she can get out of jail and take care of her sons.
"I would like it unsecured, at least lowered, so I can get back to my children," Bess said.
One of Bess' friends came to court to tell the judge she is not a bad person.
"What took place, I couldn't tell you, but she is really a nice person," said friend David Helms.
Cherryville police stopped Bess Wednesday night at a license checkpoint on East Main Street.
The checkpoint was at the end of Russell Inman's driveway, where police cars can hide.
"When you come around the curve, there is no way out. You are trapped," Inman said.
Police said Bess had been drinking and then got behind the wheel with her 4- and 7-year-old sons in the car.
"That is really ridiculous to haul children around while you are drinking," Inman said.
Police said she had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol of her breath.
Prosecutor Beth Stockwell said her blood alcohol content registered at 0.12 percent.
Officers said they also found drug paraphernalia.
The arresting officer said Bess admitted she got drunk after a fight with her boyfriend and then left her Gastonia home with her two sons.
"Leave the children out of it," Inman said.
Police are awaiting test results to see if Bess had any drugs in her system.
The judge did not lower her bond.
WSOC
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