Bradenton woman’s kids knew she was selling drugs ‘to supplement shopping addiction,’ cops say

A 34-year-old Bradenton woman is charged with child abuse, possession of drugs and possession with intent to sell after police and a probation officer came to her residence to conduct a residence check on her roommate, according to the arrest report.

Police say two of Stephanie Bishop’s older children were aware that she sold synthetic cannabis and that the drug was easily accessible to all of the children.

During a search of the residence in connection with the probationary check on Bishop’s roommate, police found 16.4 grams of synthetic cannabis in one large plastic bag and a dozen smaller baggies, a scale and other items often used in the sale of narcotics.

According to the report, the synthetic cannabis was in a bag containing paperwork in Bishop’s name. Police say Bishop admitted all of the items belonged to her and admitted to selling the drugs, “to supplement her shopping addiction.”

Police interviewed Bishop’s children and two of them told police they were aware their mother sells drugs.

Bishop was booked into the Manatee County jail on the felony charges, but was released the following day after posting $4,000 in bonds pending a future court date.