SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - WEEKLY UPDATE 6/19/2025

Good morning,

I hope all the hot-weather lovers are enjoying the warm weather these days. I'm more of a January cold type of person. I do love the fresh garden vegetables and fruit this time of year.

I want to begin with an announcement regarding an early morning arrest that occurred on Monday. This arrest was a long-term, complex drug investigation involving multiple agencies. My staff, along with the assistance of the FBI and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force executed an early morning search warrant in Rison. Two people were arrested in this incident, and a large amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, and assorted prescription drugs were seized, along with a firearm. These arrests marked the culmination of several months of work with the FBI to bring this case to a close. I want to commend Sergeant Jordan Ables, Captain Keith Axsom, and Deputy Tim Wofford for their outstanding work on this case. This suspect is allegedly responsible for supplying Dallas County with illegal drugs over a long period. I am proud of all the hard work and time put into making this a success!

I also want to recognize another of my deputies, Major Mike Foster. He has worked diligently to secure a grant to enhance our courtroom security at the Dallas County Courthouse. As Sheriff, my office is responsible for the security of courtroom personnel during court proceedings in the 13th Judicial District, which are held in Dallas County. Major Foster worked studiously on the application for the grant, and it was sent to the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Security and Emergency Preparedness. The funding request is intended for the purchase of cameras and panic buttons for the Courthouse. The Committee approved our request, and a check for $18,686.29 was presented to Dallas County Judge Chris Stanfield and Dallas County Major Mike Foster on Thursday, June 19. Now, we can place the orders for the necessary equipment and have it installed. The grants are available once a year, and we will be applying next year for more money to help upgrade the Courtroom facilities at the Dallas County Courthouse.

Let's move to Felony Friday:

Highsmith, Kenya of Fordyce; FPD Battery 3rd; Disorderly Conduct

Brandon, Chelby of Rison; Trafficking a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver; Maintaining a Drug Premises; Possession of a Schedule I or II Not Meth/Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Macon, Bobby of Fordyce & Rison; Trafficking a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver; Maintaining a Drug Premises; Possession of Schedule I or II Substance not Meth/Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver; Possession of Schedule IV or V with Purpose to Deliver; Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms; Possession of Firearm by Certain Person; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Delivery of Meth/Cocaine GT 10 grams LT 200 grams; Use of a Communication Device; Distribution near Certain Facilities

Castillo, Sunshine of Fordyce; FPD Battery 3rd Degree; Disorderly Conduct

Smith, Derrick of Waldo; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Criminal Possession of Explosives; DWI; Refusal to Submit

Worthy, Montrel of Fordyce; FPD Breaking or Entering; Criminal Mischief

Brown, Makel of Fordyce; FPD Criminal Mischief 1st Degree; Breaking or Entering

Hill, Ricardo of Memphis; Fraud in Application Registration of Vehicle/Title; No Liability Insurance; Failure to Maintain Control; Speeding

I hope you have a safe weekend.

God Bless

Sheriff Mike Knoedl