In July 2014, 23‑year‑old Ashley Gabrielle Huff was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in Gainesville, Georgia, for a tag‑light violation Newser

In July 2014, 23‑year‑old Ashley Gabrielle Huff was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in Gainesville, Georgia, for a tag‑light violation
Newser
WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
. She was a passenger in the vehicle and appeared nervous, according to the police report—who also noted she had sores on her arms, adding to their suspicion
Newser
WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
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During the stop, officers requested to search the vehicle and discovered a bag with a spoon coated in a “clear, crystal‑like substance.” A field test indicated a positive result for methamphetamine
Newser
WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
. Although Huff consistently insisted it was merely dried SpaghettiOs sauce—explaining she had eaten from the can and then stowed the spoon in her purse—her claims were initially dismissed
Newser
Daily Meal
WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
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She was arrested on July 2, 2014, and taken to Hall County Jail
WCNC
Newser
. Despite the initial test returning negative at the lab for meth, she remained incarcerated—because she couldn’t afford bond or attend all court/Drug Court appearances, leading to a rearrest on August 2
Gawker
Starcasm
Activist Post
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Ultimately, lab analysis proved the substance on the spoon was not methamphetamine, but simply sauce residue. Following this, the meth charge was formally dismissed, and Huff was finally released from jail in mid-September, on or around September 18, 2014
Newser
Activist Post
Daily Meal
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Impact and Aftermath

Personal toll: Huff missed her child’s birthday and lost her job at Waffle House while behind bars
UNILAD
Starcasm
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Legal predicament: Her public defender, Chris van Rossem, revealed she almost accepted a felony plea deal—despite her innocence—just to get out of jail faster
UNILAD
Daily Meal
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Considering legal action: Reports indicate she was thinking about suing for malicious prosecution or wrongful arrest, although it’s unclear whether any lawsuit was ultimately filed
Newser
Activist Post
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A Glimpse of Public Reaction

The story sparked widespread disbelief and indignation online. On Reddit, one user remarked:

“Any cop that mistakes Spaghetti‑O sauce for meth shouldn’t have a job.”
“I’m gonna start carrying around a bunch of spoons with dried‑up yogurt residue … Few days in jail for a fat payout? Sure.”

Reddit

Another added:

“The field drug test kits are notorious for false positives, they prefer it that way… most people can’t afford to stay in jail even one day, let alone a week… countless people have pled guilty … just so they can get out.”