A local couple were charged with sale and delivery of cocaine an investigation by the Smithville Police Department led to their arrest last week.

Steve Mabe, Jr., 42, and 36-year-old Martha Hale were charged with sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine), and Mabe, a convicted felon, was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Hale was charged with violation of probation as well.

According to Police Chief Mark Collins, a recent probation search at the Charity Lane home the two shared uncovered evidence that led to the bust.

"Hale was on probation from a DUI conviction, but probation officers had taken warrants on her for probation violation after she failed a drug test," the chief said. "We accompanied the probation officers to Hale’s home on Wednesday, March 16 to execute a probation search on Martha. During that search we found illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, guns and a safe in their bedroom which they refused to open. Martha was arrested that day on a charge of violation of probation. She later posted bond and was released."

Police said the safe was seized, and a search warrant to open it was obtained.

"The search warrant on the safe was executed last Thursday, March 24. In that safe we found 16 grams of cocaine, a large sum of money, personal documents belonging to both Martha and Steve, and other miscellaneous items including jewelry, coins, and things like that. Based on what we found in that safe we had reason to believe there was more evidence in their house so we obtained another search warrant which was executed Tuesday," the chief said.

Police said the second search revealed more evidence, and the case remains under investigation for possible additional charges against the two. Mabe’s bond was set at $30,000. Hale’s bond was set at $25,000.