Good morning,
I hope everyone has had a great week! It's my favorite time of the year, turkey season! I know of several people who have had a successful season so far. We need the weather to cooperate a little better. With that said, I want to remind everyone that Cottonbelt Week will begin the next week.
This week has been a busy one with Circuit Court being held on Wednesday. I can honestly say I've never seen the courtroom as full as it was this week. I want to thank everyone involved in this operation from court security to our jailers who are responsible for transporting inmates to and from court. It was a long day but went off without any difficulties.
On Saturday night a pursuit was initiated by a deputy that began in the City of Fordyce. The pursuit proceeded south into Calhoun County. Calhoun County Sheriff's Department responded to assist our unit in chasing the vehicle. After speeds reached over 100 MPH the pursuit was terminated due to safety reasons. Fortunately, the suspect vehicle was located sometime later and was towed with a hold put on it. A warrant was issued, and the suspect was arrested on Monday.
It was brought to our attention that there have been several incidents of people passing stopped school buses. We are now working with the City of Fordyce, Arkansas State Police to strictly enforce this law. There is NO excuse for violating this law! The safety of our children is paramount and there will be a ZERO tolerance policy if caught violating it.
Drive high and get a DWI. The 420 Campaign begins today and concludes on Sunday. Law enforcement will be in full force this weekend to enforce any type of impaired driving. Remember, you can receive a DUI after taking any kind of drug as well. This also includes prescription medication. Think before getting behind the wheel while impaired. It can change your life or someone else's in a second. This includes going to prison!
Mr. Rucker and his crew have been busy this week with preparations for the Cotton Belt Festival. They have set up the stages and tent as well as cleaning up Main Street. They worked mowing and cleaning around the detention center. He cleaned up dumpsters around the city this morning. The health and senior citizens center was cleaned up and mowed this week.
This past Wednesday, our monthly Circuit Court was held, and several cases were adjudicated:
Eddie Lee Chriswell, Pled Guilty to 2 counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender sentenced to 3 years ADC and 3 years SIS
Gustavo Morales Jr., Pled Guilty to Fleeing sentenced to 5 years SIS
Jerome Thompson, Pled Guilty to 2 counts of Possession with Intent sentenced to 7 years ADC and 5 years SIS
Emily Henderson, Pled Guilty to Theft of Property sentenced to 2 years CCC
Jarrod Flint, Pled Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia sentenced to 5 years' Probation
Ronnie Moorehead, Pled Guilty to Theft by Receiving Sentenced to 1 year SIS and a $500 fine
Jason Jimerson, Pled Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance and Fleeing Sentenced to 15 years ADC and 10 years SIS
Devon Pyle, Pled Guilty to Failure to Register Sentenced to 5 years' Probation
Now on to Felony Friday:
McClure, Zackery, of Sparkman, FPD Possession of a Controlled Substance Felony
Rogers, Dollie, of Fordyce, FPD Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Weatherbee, Mitchell, of Fordyce, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Hardaway, Kerwin, of Hot Springs, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Bush, Margaret, of Fordyce, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Rayford, Jerron, of Fordyce, Child Support Body Attachment
Raymond, Robert V., of North Little Rock, Absconding
Simmons, Kentrell D., of Fordyce, FPD Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Parker, Jasmine, of Jacksonville, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Turner, Piney D., of Rison, FPD Criminal Trespass and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Ellison, Wanda Faye, of Bearden, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Parker, Sylavassis, of El Dorado, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor and Contempt Failure to
Pay
Blackmon, Peyton, of Fordyce, Felony Fleeing
Whittamore, Stephanie, FPD Failure to Appear Misdemeanor and Absconding
Turner, Dewayne, of Bearden, FPD Disorderly Conduct
God Bless,
Sheriff Mike Knoedl