JONESBORO, Ark. — A Craighead County man has been charged with two Class Y felonies after authorities say he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions during a drug investigation earlier this year.
Thomas E. Ivy is accused of delivering between 10 and 200 grams of methamphetamine during each transaction, according to law enforcement. In Arkansas, Class Y felonies are among the most serious charges and carry potential penalties of 10 to 40 years or life in prison.
Court documents state that the investigation, led by the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, began in April when a confidential source informed agents they could obtain methamphetamine from Ivy. Officials conducted two controlled buys, concluding their probe in May.
Before each arranged sale, investigators conducted thorough searches of the source and their vehicle, reportedly ensuring there was no illegal contraband. The source was then provided with official Drug Task Force funds and outfitted with a covert recording device, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Agents alleged that the source met with Ivy at a predetermined location, where money was exchanged for suspected methamphetamine. After each transaction, officers recovered the substance from the informant at a secure location, weighed it, and conducted field tests that confirmed it was methamphetamine. The source also identified Ivy as the seller after each purchase, the affidavit stated.
Investigators monitored the transactions using physical and electronic surveillance. They reported that each deal involved quantities exceeding 10 grams but less than 200 grams of the drug.
Ivy was taken into custody on August 25 on unrelated charges, according to a supplemental affidavit. Craighead County District Judge Thomas Fowler later found probable cause to charge Ivy in connection with the alleged drug sales and set his bond at $250,000 cash or surety. Fowler ordered Ivy to wear a GPS ankle monitor as a condition of release. The court also appointed a public defender to represent Ivy.
Ivy’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
Officials remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.