On February 2nd, 2021, the Pocahontas Police Department began an investigation into the viewing of Child Sexual Abusive Material being viewed in Pocahontas. During the course of the investigation, Joshua James Ray Donley of Pocahontas was determined to suspect in this case.
On February 24th, 2021, the Pocahontas Police conducted a search warrant on the Mr. Donley’s residence. Later that evening, SGT Jones conducted an interview with Mr. Donley. During that interview, Mr. Donley admitted to having a problem with watching child pornography.
Excerpt from affidavit:
“DONLEY stated that he has a problem with child pornography. I asked DONLEY how long he thinks he has had this problem, and he informed me probably 10 years. DONLEY was referring to Child Sexual Abusive Material. I asked DONLEY what all would be on his phone. DONLEY stated that we would find his internet search history.â€
Mr. Donley was arrested for A.C.A. 5-27-602 Viewing Matter Depicting Sexually Explicit Material (2 Counts), and went before Judge Alex Bigger. Judge Bigger set a $50,000 bond and Mr. Donley’s first appearance in circuit court will be on April 13th, 2021 in Randolph County.
Earlier this month, CPL Trason Johnson with the Pocahontas Police Department began an investigation into counterfeit money being used at local businesses. During the course of his investigation, CPL Johnson was able to locate the source of the counterfeit money.
On February 23rd, 2021, the Pocahontas Police Department conducted a search warrant on residence. This search warrant was the result of an investigation into counterfeit currency that had been in local circulation. Amanda Guthrie and Dustin Stephenson of Pocahontas was arrested. Located during the search warrant was approximately $950 of counterfeit currency, computer, scanner, printer, and amongst other items used for the crime.
​Both Amanda Guthrie and Dustin Stephenson were charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Meth), Forgery, Felony Drug paraphernalia and went before Judge Alex Bigger on February 24, 2021. Ms. Guthrie received a $25,000 bond and Mr. Stephenson received a $50,000 bond. Both have a Circuit Court date of April 13th, 2021.
​On February 24th, 2021, SGT Tilghman was investigating a string of break-ins and trespassing complaints. During the course of his investigation, SGT Tilghman was able to locate a suspect inside Harps Grocery store in Pocahontas.
​During the course of the arrest of Branigan Stacy of Pocahontas, resisted arrest with multiple officers. During the arrest, it was discovered that Mr. Stacy had two firearms on his person that were later discovered as recently stolen.
Mr. Stacy was charged with Breaking or Entering (2 Counts), Theft of Property (Felony)(2Counts), Possession fFirearms by Certain Person, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Trespassing. Mr. Stacy was given a $25,000 cash only bond and his Randolph County Court date was set to April 13th, 2021.