Prosecutors are asking for an Independence County man to face an enhanced sentence if he’s convicted for selling illegal drugs near an elementary school.
On Oct. 31, Arkansas Community Corrections agents made a home visit on King George Street, checking on a parolee, 20-year-old William Jacob Smart, according to court information.
After finding illegal drugs and a handgun in the residence, the agents — Krista Winchester, Melissa Stephens, and Corey McCullough — then called in deputies from the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
During an interview, Smart noted to authorities all the drugs and paraphernalia belonged to him — but the handgun did not, according to court documents.
Of note were agents finding vacuum-sealed packages in the residence containing six pounds of marijuana. Also of note was the residence being within 1,000 feet of the Southside Elementary School campus. As a result, prosecutors are asking for an enhanced sentence, if Smart is found guilty in court, which would add 10 years for selling illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.
Smart was placed in the Independence County Jail on a $12,000 bond.
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