Two Mountain View men face felony charges after a collaborative investigation led to the discovery of over 115 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Brandon A. Muse, 35, and Jessie E. Fletcher, 47, were arrested in Oil Trough on Sunday, April 7, for the possession of meth with the intent to distribute, according to a release from Commander Johnny Byler with the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF).
The two were apprehended after officers discovered approximately 115 grams, or around a quarter-pound, of crystal meth in their vehicle, along with paraphernalia associated with meth use, the release said.
The DTF and the Mountain View Police Department (MVPD) launched an investigation into allegations of Muse’s involvement in trafficking large quantities of meth earlier this year, according to Byler. The release said the investigation included officers infiltrating the alleged operation.
Their work culminated in the Sunday traffic stop orchestrated with the assistance of the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force Drug Interdiction Unit (pictured) that Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens had recently donated. (See story below.)
In addition to the DTF and MVPD, several agencies collaborated in the investigation, including the Independence County Sheriff’s Department, the Newport Police Department, and the Arkansas State Police.
Muse and Fletcher are both facing felony charges for possession of crystal methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use meth. Additionally, Muse had an outstanding warrant for violation of a protection order out of Stone County, while Fletcher was charged as a habitual offender and for parole absconding.
Their bonds were set at $50,000.
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The 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force received a significant boost to their interdiction efforts this week thanks to a donation from the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Shawn Stephens and Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery presented the DTF with a fully equipped patrol car to be used in drug enforcement operations throughout the 16th Judicial District, which encompasses Independence, Izard, Cleburne, Stone, and Fulton counties.
The new vehicle will allow the DTF to expand their reach and effectiveness in combating drug trafficking within the district.
Image provided by the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force
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