Couple accused of bringing loaded gun into courthouse arraigned

The two people who are accused of taking a loaded weapon into the Berrien County Courthouse earlier this week have been arraigned.

On May 30, Arnelda Dywayne Jackson, 40, and Molly Michiell Jackson, 37, entered the courthouse in St. Joseph at approximately 8:45 a.m. to attend a court hearing.

Arnelda was scheduled for a preliminary exam on a charge of possession of counterfeit money.

As they went through security, security deputies scanned Molly's purse and located a loaded handgun, according to the Berrien County Prosecutor.

Arnelda allegedly grabbed the purse out of the machine and ran out of the building along with Molly, according to reports.

The couple was apprehended in the parking lot and the gun was recovered several feet from Arnelda, according to reports.

Arnelda was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, tampering with evidence, resisting and obstructing an officer and felony firearm.

Molly was charged with carrying a concealed weapon (on person), carrying a concealed weapon (in vehicle), tampering with evidence, resisting and obstructing an officer and felony firearm.

At their arraignment, their bonds were set at $100,000 cash or surety for Arnelda and $400,000 cash or surety for Molly.

Arnelda will be in court again on June 9 and Molly will be in court again on June 15.

A trial date has been set for August 1 on Arnelda's possession of counterfeit money charge.