A nursing assistant at Mission Hospital and her husband are accused of trafficking 12 pounds of meth across state lines. 

Sherri and Robert Penland were stopped by state troopers outside Atlanta January 18th.

Arrest reports reveal drug agents found meth worth over $300,000 in several containers in the Penlands' car. Agents also found nearly $5,000 in cash. Riding with the Penlands was their underage grandchild.

Attempts to reach Mrs. Penland were unsuccesful, though her mother told News 13's Mario Boone by phone her daughter is innocent.

As for Mission Hospital, a spokeswoman says they didn't know about Penland's arrest until contacted by News 13. In a statement the hospital said it's cooperating with authorities and Penland has been suspended pending resolution of her criminal case.

If convicted Penland faces a mandatory minimun of 20 years in prison.

By: Mario Boone, mlboone@wlos.com

Follow on Twitter: @marioboone