EVENING SHADE, Ark. — Two Sharp County residents have been sentenced to six years of probation each after a child in their care tested positive for multiple drugs, including methamphetamine and THC. The cases were resolved through negotiated plea agreements, according to Sharp County Circuit Court records.
Margaret Lafaye Ivie, 28, and Brian Ray Ivie, 53, pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, a Class D felony. Brian Ivie entered his plea on June 22, and Margaret Ivie followed on July 20. Circuit Judge Rob Ratton imposed 72 months of probation for both defendants.
The original charges of introducing a controlled substance into the body of another person, a Class Y felony, were dismissed by prosecutors as part of the agreements. According to the court orders, the charges were dropped under the legal principle of "nolle prosequi," meaning the prosecutor chose not to pursue them.
The investigation began on Aug. 10, 2025, with a traffic stop conducted by Special Agent Blair Ables of the 3rd Judicial District Drug Task Force. The stop, initiated due to expired vehicle registration, led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia consistent with methamphetamine use, according to probable cause affidavits. Margaret Ivie, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested for possession of less than 2 grams of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. A child under the age of 13 was also in the vehicle at the time.
Subsequently, the Arkansas Department of Human Services removed the child from the defendants’ care on Aug. 22, 2025. Officials cited caregiver substance abuse as a factor interfering with the ability to provide adequate care and protection, the affidavits state. Both Margaret and Brian Ivie reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine during the DHS investigation.
A hair-follicle test conducted on the child on Sept. 3, 2025, returned positive results for amphetamines, methamphetamine, and THC. Investigators alleged that drug use in the residence caused the child to ingest or inhale the substances. At the time the affidavits were filed, the child remained in foster care.
As part of her sentencing, Margaret Ivie received credit for three days previously spent in jail and was ordered to pay $1,295 in fines, costs, and fees. Brian Ivie, in contrast, received credit for 55 days in jail and was ordered to pay $3,365 in financial penalties, which included a $1,925 “pay for stay” charge and a $250 fee for a DNA sample.
Deputy prosecutor M. Joseph Grider represented the state in the proceedings, while attorney Matt Dellinger represented both defendants.