SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - UPDATE 3/13/2026

Good morning,

I hope everyone survived the storm that passed through with minimal damage. According to the weather service, an EF2 tornado passed near us earlier this week. However, the past two days have been really nice. Get out and enjoy it while you can.

We have been busy continuing the investigation into the death of the three-year-old child I reported about that occurred two weeks ago. We are working closely with DHS to ensure the safety and well-being of other minor children in the household. Please continue to send prayers for everyone involved in this incident.

Early this morning, deputies from Dallas County assisted the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force in executing a search warrant in Bearden as part of a drug investigation. Two suspects were arrested during the execution of the warrant. One of the suspects had absconded from his probation in Dallas County since December 2024. During the search, marijuana, crack cocaine, and a firearm were seized as evidence. One suspect was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. As I've discussed in previous reports, we must work closely with surrounding counties where drug activity indirectly affects ours.

Mr. Simmons and his helper have been busy picking up trash along Highway 9 in Sparkman, Holly Springs. As the weather permits, we will continue to clean up the county after the winter months. PLEASE help us keep our county free of trash. There are places throughout our county where you can stop and dispose of your household trash. It astonishes me every day as I travel around our county at the trash thrown from vehicles into ditches. Just STOP!

Felony Friday:

Escober-Pablo, Cecilio of Tulsa; FPD Reckless Driving, No Driver's License

Harris, Corenzo of Fordyce; Failure to Appear

Perry, Leville of Hampton; Failure to Appear

Braswell, Scott of New Edinburg; Possession of Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Drug

Paraphernalia, Driving with Suspended DL

Ellison, Wanda; FPD Driving with Suspended Driver's License, Possession of Schedule I or II

Loetscher, Kandace of Rison; FPD Commercial Burglary, Theft of Property

Chavis, Lamar of Little Rock; Revocation

God Bless

Sheriff Mike Knoedl