PARAGOULD, Ark. — Two individuals were arrested after police reported discovering drugs and related paraphernalia at a Paragould residence on September 14, according to arrest affidavits filed in the case.
Orville Lee Jr. and Amanda Champion both face multiple felony drug charges. Greene County District Judge Curtis Hitt set their bonds at $100,000 each, with court documents outlining strict release conditions, including ankle monitoring, a prohibition on weapons, and adherence to all laws.
The investigation began when Paragould police received information about alleged drug activity at the residence. Police identified Champion as being on active probation, which allowed for a warrantless search of her home under Arkansas law. Court filings indicate that officers with the department’s vice unit conducted the search and found significant evidence of drug distribution.
Investigators reported seizing 16.6 grams of liquid methamphetamine, 6.9 grams of methamphetamine, 1.7 grams of a counterfeit substance, and three tablets of alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Additionally, officers confiscated multiple electronic scales, unused packaging materials, and a number of used and unused syringes.
According to an affidavit signed by Investigator Hunter De Sesso, Lee was discovered lying in a bed near a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. During a subsequent search of Champion’s cellphone, investigators allegedly found numerous text messages documenting drug transactions, which resulted in an additional felony charge against her.
Both affidavits detail the charges against Lee and Champion, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a counterfeit substance with intent to deliver, and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver. Champion faces an additional count of unlawful use of a communication device, also a felony.
Paragould police presented the case to the court on the same day as the search, and Judge Hitt determined there was sufficient probable cause for the arrests. Records show that both defendants remain in custody as of the latest reporting.
Unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver between 10 and 200 grams is classified as a Class A felony in Arkansas, carrying potentially severe penalties if convicted. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.