Stone County authorities released that the Sheriff’s Department and 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force was busy in Stone County on Wednesday August 18, 2021. A joint narcotic operation between the two agencies landed several individuals in jail.
Chief Deputy McGilton and Deputy Trevor Leonard stopped a 2011 Nissan Armada in the Marcella area of Stone County for traveling outside the traffic lane and illegal window tint. The driver was identified as Rachel SOLIS, age 32, of Batesville, AR. Deputies learned that SOLIS was on parole and had an active search waiver on file. After further investigation, Chief Deputy McGilton located a Ziploc bag containing approximately 112.5 grams, (One Quarter of a Pound), of Crystal Meth hidden in the vehicle. SOLIS was arrested and transported to the Stone County Detention Center where she is being held on the charge of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance Crystal Meth over 10 grams but less than 200 grams. This is an “A” Felony which if convicted carries a sentence of 10-30 years. SOLIS admitted that she was delivering the Crystal Meth to a residence in Stone County.
Another traffic stop case by Deputies McGilton and Leonard revealed another large amount of Crystal Meth. The deputies stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Pickup for a busted windshield in the Melrose area of Stone County. The driver was identified as Kelby Shane EPPERSON, age 26, of Newport, AR. Upon making the stop, Chief Deputy McGilton recognized EPPERSON as being a source of supply of meth from previous drug investigations throughout the 16th district. Consent to search was given by EPPERSON and a large amount of Crystal Meth was located in a hidden void of the vehicle. Deputies recovered approximately 136.8 grams, (just over a quarter of a pound), of Crystal Meth. EPPERSON was arrested and transported to the Stone County Detention Center. EPPERSON admitted that he has been dealing large amounts of meth and has been distributing in Stone County. EPPERSON is being charged with Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Crystal Methamphetamine, with the Purpose to Deliver, over 10 but less than 200 grams. This is an “A” Felony which if convicted carries a sentence of 10-30 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. EPPERSON is also out on Federal Release for Trafficking Crystal Meth pending Federal Drug Charges.
Members of the Sheriff’s Department and 16th District Drug Task Force also executed a search warrant on Luber Cutoff Road in Stone County. Crystal Meth, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and a stolen car was seized from the location. The car was reported stolen out of Texas. Three people were arrested at the location.
Braxton-Joe JOHNSTONE, age 21, of Mountain View was arrested for possession of crystal meth less than 2 grams, maintaining a drug premises, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is charged with a “C” Felony, “D” Felony, and an “A” Misdemeanor.
Emily L. TRAMMELL, age 31, of Stone County was arrested on a Felony Charge for Theft by Receiving. She admitted to stealing the vehicle in Texas and may possibly have pending charges out of Texas. She is charged with a Class “C” Felony.
Jim Wayne DAYBERRY, age 35, of Mountain View was arrested for Parole absconding. He was also in possession of approximately 18 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine. He is being charged with Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine over 10 but less than 200 grams with the Purpose to Deliver and being a habitual offender. That is a Class “A” Felony.
Summary of Wednesday:
The total amount of Crystal Meth that was taken off the street in Stone County on Wednesday was approximately 268 grams, (Over a Half Pound of Crystal Meth). Street value of the meth if separated and sold by the gram is valued at $26,800. Deputies also seized firearms, two vehicles, and approximately $2,667 in cash of profits and proceeds from the sale of crystal meth. The 16th Drug Task Force and prosecuting attorney’s office is assisting in the confiscation procedure. Investigators also recovered a stolen 2009 BMW Sedan. The vehicle is being returned to the owner in Fort Worth Texas. “I’d say, it was a good day in Stone County”, stated Chief Deputy McGilton. He would like to thank the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force for their hard work and dedication to this community.
