Bail set at $250K for woman arrested with 1,300 fentanyl pills after allegedly breaking into Lewis County residence 

Bail is set at $250,000 for a woman accused of breaking into a Lewis County residence while carrying a bag containing more than 1,300 fentanyl pills on Tuesday.

Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Natasha Denise Burris, 35, of Tacoma, sometime before 9:35 p.m. on Oct. 1 after deputies received a report that Berris had entered a house she was trespassed from on Berry Road, located south of Chehalis and west of Napavine.

Burris was reportedly trespassed from the property after she attempted to burn it down in August, according to charging documents filed in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday.

Responding deputies reportedly found that the house “appeared to have been rummaged through, with empty envelopes spread out on the floor and drawers left open.”

Burris was reportedly found “hiding under a blanket next to a bed in the bedroom.”

Deputies reportedly saw a black bag underneath Burris, who allegedly claimed the bag was hers.

Inside the bag, deputies found more than 1,300 suspected fentanyl pills and approximately 11 grams of fentanyl powder.

They also found drug paraphernalia, clothing, personal items and a crystal container filled with quarters and other change, according to court documents.

The homeowner confirmed that the crystal container was likely his, and said “he usually kept it in his bedroom filled with change.”

Burris was booked into the Lewis County Jail just after 9:35 p.m. on Oct. 1, according to jail records. She was charged Oct. 2 in Lewis County Superior Court with one count each of second-degree burglary, third-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture or deliver.

The alleged Oct. 1 incident occurred less than 24 hours after Burris was sentenced for an unrelated third-degree assault case, according to Deputy Prosecutor Will Halstead, who recommended that Burris’ bail be set at $250,000.

In that case, which was charged exactly one year ago on Oct. 2, 2023, Burris allegedly assaulted a health care provider on Sept. 14, 2023. She entered an Alford plea, which allows defendants to take advantage of a plea deal without admitting guilt, to one count of third-degree assault on Tuesday, Oct. 1. She was sentenced to 45 days in prison, with credit for time served, followed by 12 months of community custody.

The change of plea and sentencing hearing took place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday — approximately 12 hours before her arrest on the new charges.

“I was the judge that sentenced Ms. Burris just yesterday. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such quick recidivism before,” Judge Joely Yeager said during Burris’ preliminary hearing on Wednesday. “Very concerning, Ms. Burris. Very disappointing.”

Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said Wednesday that Burris had “mitigating circumstances” that would come to light as the case progresses.

Due to Burris’ risk to reoffend, her warrant history and the community safety risk posed by the allegations, Yeager granted the prosecution’s high bail request.

Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 10.