On August 22, 2023, Blake Sutherland plead guilty to multiple felony charges that included theft, theft by receiving, breaking or entering, possession of a controlled substance, and furnishing prohibited articles where he was placed on probation through the Arkansas Division of Community Corrections.
On August 6, 2024 Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton drove by Sutherland’s residence on Chapel Hill Road in Brockwell. Sheriff Melton observed marijuana growing in Sutherland’s garden that was located approximately sixty feet off the roadway. Sheriff Melton contacted Probation Officers Hunter Boles and Cody Bruyette and informed them of what he had seen.
A short time later, the Probation Officers and the Sheriff went to Sutherland’s residence where marijuana was found growing in two different gardens on the property. Officers also located four firearms. During a post Miranda interview, Sutherland admitted to growing the marijuana. He also stated the firearms were his, but they were not supposed to be there.
As a result on August 8, 2024, Blake Sutherland, 38 of Brockwell, was charged in the Izard County Circuit Court with manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of firearms by certain persons, and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. Due to his previous felony convictions, Sutherland was also charged as a habitual offender.