Rosie pair arrested after drug, firearms seizure near church, affidavit says

Two people were arrested Tuesday after a drug task force raid at a Rosie residence turned up methamphetamine, pills, marijuana, cash, and several firearms, including a stolen handgun, according to an affidavit filed in Independence County Circuit Court.

Mary Jo McLaughlin, 64, of Rosie, and Jack Dale Wyatt, 59, of Batesville, were taken into custody Dec. 9 after officers with the 16th District Drug Task Force, Arkansas State Police, and Batesville Police Department executed a search warrant at their home on Newport Road. A 19-year-old resident was also inside.

Investigators reported finding six firearms in the master bedroom, where both suspects were located. One handgun beside McLaughlin was confirmed stolen out of Cleburne County, the affidavit said. Officers also reported locating approximately 28 grams of meth in a dresser drawer, along with packaging, scales, and paraphernalia, and an additional $10,000 in cash between a safe and McLaughlin’s purse. Some of the money was identified as buy funds from previous controlled purchases.

Additional drugs — including psilocybin mushrooms, hydrocodone, amphetamine pills, nearly 500 grams of marijuana, THC products, and Spice — were found in other rooms. A locked-out building contained about 147 grams of meth and roughly 200 grams of Aspadol pills, authorities said.

McLaughlin faces nine felony counts and a habitual offender enhancement. Wyatt also faces multiple felony charges. The home is about 800 feet from Rosie First Baptist Church, resulting in an added drug-premises charge.

Mary Jo McLaughlin

Jack Dale Wyatt

Images: Independence County Sheriff’s Office