A 41-year-old Paragould man was arrested following a police search of his home that uncovered suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and what authorities described as severely unsanitary living conditions. The man’s four-year-old daughter has since been removed from the home by the Department of Human Services.
According to an affidavit, officers conducted the search on September 27 after obtaining probable cause to investigate James Dowdy, who was on probation with a search waiver. District Judge Curtis Hitt later charged Dowdy with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a minor, and maintaining a drug premises.
Court documents revealed Dowdy was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by certain persons. He is currently serving a 60-month suspended sentence.
The investigation began on September 26, when an officer observed suspicious behavior and found text messages on Dowdy’s phone referencing the purchase of illegal narcotics. The following day, officers visited Dowdy’s apartment on Noble Wilson Street. When Dowdy noticed police, he attempted to avoid them by entering his apartment but was soon detained.
After removing Dowdy’s girlfriend and four-year-old daughter from the residence, officers conducted a search of the home. Inside, they documented hazardous and neglected living conditions, including widespread cat feces and urine as well as an "overwhelming" number of roaches and spiders present on the walls, floors, kitchen cabinets, and even the mattress in the bedroom. Officers also found partially smoked marijuana joints scattered on the floor.
Given the unsafe environment, the affidavit stated that DHS determined the child should be removed from the home.
During the search, police discovered a white crystal-like substance and a glass pipe stuffed between the mattress and box spring in Dowdy’s bedroom. A subsequent field test identified the substance as methamphetamine. Officers also reviewed additional messages on Dowdy’s phone revealing communications related to illegal drug purchases.
Dowdy, who later admitted to using methamphetamine since he was 14 years old, stated during an interview that while he uses methamphetamine by smoking, snorting, or injecting it, he tries to hide his drug use from his girlfriend. According to the affidavit, he claimed he was the sole user in the household.
Dowdy is being held at the Greene County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash or surety bond.
The condition of the child after the removal and any legal proceedings related to custody have not been disclosed.