PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Henderson man is facing multiple felony charges after Paragould investigators reported uncovering 128.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Highway 69. According to police, the passenger of the vehicle alleged that the man threw the drugs into her lap and told her to hide them.
Timothy Clardy was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class A felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class B felony; unlawful use of a communication device, a Class C felony; and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class D felony. During a hearing, District Judge Curtis Hitt set Clardy’s bond at $150,000 surety and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor if released. He is also prohibited from possessing weapons and must comply with all laws.
The Paragould Police Department stated that its VICE unit began investigating Clardy on July 31 after receiving information suggesting he was selling methamphetamine. Investigators observed Clardy's vehicle traveling north on Highway 69 and reported seeing it fail to maintain its lane. A patrol officer stopped the vehicle for driving left of center. Police say both Clardy and his passenger were under suspended impositions of sentence and subject to active search waivers.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a black Crown Royal bag containing two bags of a crystal-like substance, which police suspect to be methamphetamine, as well as other bags containing pills. Investigators identified one type of pill as clonazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Officers also reported finding packaging materials in the glove compartment and $501 in cash split between Clardy’s person and the vehicle.
While handcuffed, the passenger reportedly told police that Clardy placed the bag containing the drugs in her lap and instructed her to hide it. Clardy and the passenger were taken to the Paragould Police Department along with the suspected narcotics. According to a probable cause affidavit written by Investigator Hunter De Sesso, Clardy signed a waiver of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with law enforcement. However, while Clardy admitted to past drug dealing, he denied owning the substances found in the vehicle.
A search of Clardy’s phone allegedly revealed text messages discussing drug sales, according to police. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 128.5 grams, while the clonazepam totaled 0.3 grams.
The investigation is ongoing. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.