Prosecutor praises teamwork in Independence County drug, alcohol bust

Jessie James Smith

Sixteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Drew E. Smith praised coordinated law enforcement efforts that led to the arrest of a Southside man last week following an eight-month investigation into illegal drug distribution and unlicensed alcohol sales in Independence County.

“This investigation represents the collective approach that safeguards our communities,” Smith said in a statement released Tuesday. “It demonstrates that when governmental agencies cooperate effectively, we can achieve remarkable success in disrupting crime within our jurisdiction.”

The 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Jessie James Smith, 59, on Oct. 9 following months of surveillance and multiple controlled drug purchases.

A search warrant executed at Smith’s residence in Southside resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, alcohol, and firearms. According to investigators, officers recovered:

• 4.7 grams of methamphetamine
• 43.6 grams of marijuana
• 3.1 grams of synthetic cannabinoid (K2/Spice)
• 3.5 grams of Suboxone pills
• Approximately 1,758 cans of beer
• 479 bottles of liquor
• 15 firearms

Investigators also discovered forged currency and items consistent with the distribution of controlled substances.

As a result of the investigation, charges were filed with the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, including:

• Delivery of methamphetamine less than two grams (Class C Felony)
• Two counts of maintaining a drug premises (Class C Felony)
• Two counts of selling alcohol without a license (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Possession of methamphetamine greater than two grams but less than ten grams with intent to deliver (Class B Felony)
• Possession of marijuana with intent to deliver greater than 14 grams (Class D Felony)
• Possession of Suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic, with intent to deliver (Class C Felony)
• Possession of K2 with intent to deliver (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y Felony)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Forgery in the first degree — possession of counterfeit money (Class B Felony)

Smith was taken into custody on Oct. 9 and later released on a $50,000 bond pending formal court proceedings.

Prosecutor Smith commended both the Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Office for their joint effort, calling the case an example of “what can be accomplished when agencies work together to protect Independence County residents.”

Other agencies involved in the Smith investigation included the Batesville Police Department and Arkansas Community Correction.

Featured image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office