PARAGOULD, Ark. — A traffic stop in Paragould on Aug. 5 resulted in two individuals facing a combined 13 felony counts after police reportedly discovered drugs, cash, and paraphernalia in their possession.
Tom Lewis, the driver, and Jennifer Heinrich, a passenger, were identified in probable-cause affidavits filed in Greene County District Court. A Paragould Police Department investigator initiated the stop after observing the vehicle fail to signal at least 100 feet prior to a turn, according to court documents.
Sgt. Boling deployed K-9 Koda to perform a free-air search around the vehicle. The dog alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics, leading police to search the car.
During the search, authorities allegedly uncovered approximately 121.4 grams of methamphetamine, hydromorphone pills, morphine pills, clonazepam pills, THC vape pens, empty packaging materials, an electronic scale with suspected drug residue, and $2,918 in cash, according to affidavits prepared by Investigator Hunter De Sesso.
Police say Lewis waived his Miranda rights and admitted to selling more than 10 grams of methamphetamine at a West Emerson address earlier that day, as well as selling 30 milliliters of liquid morphine. Investigators noted the address was within 1,000 feet of Paragould High School and a daycare, potentially enhancing the penalties for related charges.
Lewis has been charged with nine felony counts, including two Class Y felonies for delivery of methamphetamine and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. Other counts include Class A, B, C, and D felonies for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other controlled substances with intent to deliver, as well as unlawful use of a communication device.
In a separate affidavit, Investigator Jacob Harris stated officers found a small brown pouch in Heinrich’s purse, containing syringes, including one filled with a clear liquid, as well as bags holding approximately 9.4 grams of methamphetamine and a bottle labeled “morphine sulfate” with about 20 milliliters of liquid. Heinrich allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine and morphine earlier that day and helping Lewis arrange drug sales using her cellphone.
Heinrich faces a total of four felony charges, including Class B felonies for possession of methamphetamine and a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver. Additional charges include a Class C felony for unlawful use of a communication device and a Class D felony for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records show sentencing enhancements for both suspects due to the alleged drug activity occurring within 1,000 feet of a school and day care. These enhancements could add 10 years to any sentence upon conviction.
On Aug. 6, District Judge Curtis Hitt signed the probable-cause findings and set bond for both Lewis and Heinrich at $100,000 cash or surety. If released, both individuals would be required to wear ankle monitors and would be prohibited from possessing weapons. By Monday, Heinrich’s bond had been reduced to $50,000.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.