SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - WEEKLY UPDATE 04/17/2025

Good afternoon, everyone. I'm writing a day early this week, as you can see.

We've had a busy and productive week at the Sheriff's Office. I hope you've all had an enjoyable week so far. My business office will be closed tomorrow in honor of Good Friday. However, my deputies will be out working as usual.

It's hard to believe Easter is almost here, and Fordyce on the Cottonbelt is next weekend. This year has really flown by. I hope that all of you can relax and enjoy Easter weekend with your loved ones. I will remind us all of why we celebrate Easter and the promises that Jesus' words and actions bring us as Christians. I pray you will remember His sacrifices and the Rewards of Heaven He foresaw for His followers.

Mr. Kerry and his crew have had another busy week. They have worked hard on Highway 9, County Road 206, and Highway 128. Today, they are working to get the stages and different areas ready for the Cottonbelt Festival. They'll continue the Cottonbelt work tomorrow and throughout next week.

I want to congratulate the newly graduated Arkansas State Troopers who will now be posted throughout the State. Also, today, over 50 new law enforcement officers graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden. These officers have spent over 3 months away from their families being trained and certified in Arkansas Law Enforcement procedures. A big shout out to one of our own local officers...Congrats to Fordyce Police Officer Erin Estes! My department is extremely proud of you and glad to have you protecting and serving the citizens of Fordyce.

We had our monthly Circuit Criminal Court yesterday, and a few cases were adjudicated.

Lucas Morehead pled guilty to Attempted Furnishing/Possessing/Using Prohibited Articles and was sentenced to 10 years SIS through the Probation Office + costs and fees

Jamie Snyder pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and was sentenced to 5 years Probation under the First Offender Act + costs and fees

Piney Turner pled guilty to Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and received 2 years in the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections + costs and fees

Devin Clary signed a plea agreement to Furnishing/Possessing/Using Prohibited Articles; Theft by Receiving; and Possession of a Firearm by a Certain Person and was sentenced to 10 years and 6 years in the ADC to be run consecutively + costs and fees

Several cases have been set for trial and others are moving through the legal process

Let's have a look at Felony Friday:

Mason, Hayden Failure to Appear and Criminal Contempt

Childs, Demarcus Revocation

Turner, Piney Failure to Appear

Henderson, Margarite FPD Battery; Obstructing Governmental Operations; and Permitting

Unauthorized Person to Drive

Burks, Anthony Criminal Contempt and Driving with Suspended DL

Chavis, Mary FPD Failure to Appear

Bunn, Bobby FPD Failure to Appear and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Moore, Amanda FPD Failure to Appear

Lawson, Christopher Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Robinson, Nicholas FPD Failure to Appear

Mitchell, Tyler FPD Failure to Appear

Stewart, Cole Revocation; Fleeing; and Resisting Arrest

Stay safe and God Bless you!

Sheriff Mike Knoedl