On 11 May 2022 Desha County Sheriffs Deputies and agents of the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle off of Highway 65 driven by someone with a suspended driver’s license and who was on parole. During the course of the stop investigators observed the drivers erratic behavior and noticed him look at his console and he reached and picked up an orange syringe cap and try to hide it. He was then ordered out of the vehicle and investigators noticed a handgun holster wedged between the seat and the console. The suspect was detained in handcuffs as investigators located a quantity of ice methamphetamine and a handgun under the drivers seat as well as numerous syringes and other drug paraphernalia. After a search of the vehicle the 35 year old male was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine (Class D Felony), possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony) and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y Felony).
In the early morning hours of 12 May 2022 Desha County Sheriffs Office and Agents from the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force set up a controlled drug buy from a suspected drug dealer in Desha County. A confidential informant and an undercover agent messaged the suspected narcotics dealer and ordered 2 “8 balls” (approximately 3.5 grams) of ice methamphetamine and agreed to a price. A short time later the suspected dealer arrived at the predetermined location and exchanged 1 8 ball of methamphetamine for the money they agreed to and told the undercover agent to follow her to a local motel get the other 8 ball. Due to the exchange being in a high traffic area, the agent gave the take down signal and Desha County Deputies and 10th DTF Agents moved in and took down the dealer. Emily Walker 33 year old female was placed under arrest for delivery of controlled substance (meth) greater than 2 grams (Class B Felony).
On 3 May 2022 Deputy Clarence Mctigrit took a theft report from Lisa Crockett who stated that her camper trailer had been stolen form Watson. She gave a suspects name and stated she knew where it was located. Deputy Carroll Sirmon was able to locate and recover the camper near Dermott the following day. (This investigation is ongoing).
On 2 May 2022 Deputy Clint Bradberry was dispatched to 155 Robertson Loop in reference to Tommy Smith having a 16 foot trailer stolen. Upon arriving Smith gave Investigator Bradberry information on his stolen trailer as well as color and identifying marks on the trailer (TD SMITH was welded under the tongue). He states that there was a vehicle loaded on the trailer that was to be sold for scrap. The following evening Deputy Carroll Sirmon received information about the trailer while recovering a camper trailer that had been reported stolen from Watson in Dermott, that Smith’s stolen trailer was at Gunsmoke Pawn in Lake Village. The following day Bradberry contacted the owner of Gunsmoke Pawn and arraigned to meet him to look over a trailer that he had recently bought. After meeting the owner and looking over the trailer, and finding TD SMITH welded under the tongue, he was shown the receipt and a copy of the driver’s license of the person he bought it from. Bradberry then obtained an arrest warrant for Cody Donley for theft of property greater than $1000. On 17 May 2022 it was determined that Donley was in Independence County Detention Center and a hold was placed on him.
