Law-enforcement continues to hammer illegal drug sales and use in Izard County, according to a release from the Izard County Sheriff’s Department.
In one case, Izard County Chief Deputy Sheriff Charley Melton said that probation and parole authorities made a Feb. 13 home visit to the residence of a man on parole. They were assisted by sheriff department deputies and members of the drug task force.
The residence was that of Russell Blevins (pictured above, left), 54, of Violet Hill. Two others were also present in the house — Kristi Ford (center), 44, of Violet Hill, and Polly Nievaard (right) of Horseshoe Bend. During the search of the premises, officers found drug paraphernalia, pseudoephedrine, methamphetamine, and firearms, the release said.
Blevins was charged with four drug-related felonies, including possession of meth and pseudoephedrine. He is also charged as a habitual offender. His bond was set at $30,000 on the new charges. At the time of his arrest, he was out on bond from circuit court on previous felony drug charges.
Ford was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Her bond was set at $1,250. Nievaard was charged with two felonies — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $10,000.
In another drug-related incident, a Batesville man was arrested for possession of meth during a Feb. 14 traffic stop last week near Mount Pleasant. According to the release, Johnny Burnett, 60, was placed in jail on a $25,000 cash bond. His court date is March 4 in Izard County Circuit Court.
And in other Izard County law enforcement action, a Feb. 10 theft at a farm off Lafferty Road in Mount Pleasant resulted in the arrest of two Batesville men. Numerous items were reported missing in the theft.
Officials say game camera pictures show the suspects in the act of the crime. As a result of the pictures and other information, Matthew Martin (pictured above, left), 27, and Carson Davis (right), 25, were arrested and charged with residential burglary and felony theft, the sheriff’s department release said.
Martin‘s bond was set at $25,000. He was currently out on felony bond in Independence County. That bond was revoked. Davis’ bond was set at $25,000. Their date in Izard County Circuit Court was set for March 4.
Images via Izard County Sheriff’s Department
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
