An Independence County man who had an active warrant from the Arkansas Parole Board is now facing felony drug counts after being arrested Saturday, April 10.
According to circuit court information filed Tuesday, the Independence County Sheriff’s Department received word that the man wanted, identified as Mervin T. Sanders, 41, of Cave Creek Road, was possibly at a Newport Road residence near Batesville on Saturday.
When four officers arrived at the residence, they knocked and were permitted entry by a female subject. After the law enforcement officials entered the residence and announced their presence “numerous times,” Sanders eventually emerged from a bathroom and was taken into custody, the arrest affidavit said.
During a check of the bathroom from which Sanders emerged, officers noticed an open door on the hot water heater, and behind the door, found a small backpack, the affidavit said.
Inside the backpack, the officers discovered a clear plastic baggie containing a “crystalline substance” which later tested positive for methamphetamine; a large number of clear plastic baggies; one glass smoking device; and some marijuana, according to the court information.
After a search of Sanders, a deputy also discovered $3,493 in cash in a pocket of his pants, the arrest affidavit noted.
Sanders is facing two felony counts: possession of methamphetamine (more than 10 grams but less than 200 grams) with the purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is also being charged as a habitual offender.
His bond has been set at $30,000.
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