The 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force seized more than $3,000 from a Hot Springs man's vehicle Saturday when he was found with various drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Michael Arlen Anderson, 37, who listed a 106 Paulleo Lane address, was charged with possession of a schedule I/II substance with purpose to deliver, a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, possession of a schedule IV substance with purpose to deliver, a felony punishable by up to six years in prison, possession of drug paraphernalia, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and fleeing on foot. He was later released on bonds totaling $18,000 and is due in Garland County District Court on March 17.
Shortly before 1 p.m., Deputy Matthew Wharton saw a white Chevrolet Trailblazer driving on Thunder Road and, recognizing the occupants, knew they both had suspended licenses. As he approached, the driver, Anderson, began driving faster and turned onto Jerry Lane without a turn signal. Wharton initiated a traffic stop but Anderson continued on to Paulleo Road and pulled into his residence.
Anderson allegedly exited the vehicle and ran from the scene while carrying a bag. The passenger exited and ran inside the residence. Wharton followed Anderson for about half a mile and saw him throw items on the ground. He caught up to Anderson and restrained him.
According to the affidavit, Wharton located two syringes filled with a clear, unknown substance in the vehicle. In Anderson's bag were a syringe with a red, unknown substance, six bags totaling 87.5 grams of positively identified methamphetamine, 34.5 Xanax pills, plastic bags, digital scales and $3,185 in cash.
DTF Investigator Martin was notified and he seized the money and vehicle. Anderson was taken into custody and transported to the Garland County Sheriff's Department.
The DTF is composed of officers from the Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff's Department and Arkansas State Police.
• A Hot Springs woman and Monticello man were arrested Friday when they picked up a FedEx package with candles containing methamphetamine.
Michelle Ratliff, 53, who listed a 100 Bayou Point, Apt. A1 address, was charged with trafficking a controlled substance, meth, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, possession of drug paraphernalia, a felony punishable by up to six years in prison, maintaining a drug premise, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, possession of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to six years in prison, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was later released on bonds totaling $9,500.
Jacob Russell Spurlin, 32, was charged with trafficking a controlled substance, meth, and first-degree criminal mischief. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.
Around 10:45 a.m. Friday, 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force investigators, Hot Springs Police Department Officer Jones and his canine, Kenna, conducted a sniff of packages at the FedEx store, 116 Red Stone. The canine alerted on a package addressed to Ratliff and after a search warrant was granted, investigators discovered four candles containing 256.4 grams of meth in the package.
According to the affidavit, the candles were repackaged and Ratliff later came into the store to pick it up. She exited the store and entered a vehicle driven by Spurlin. As they began to leave the parking lot, officers stopped the vehicle and arrested Spurlin and Ratliff.
Ratliff stated Spurlin picked her up at her residence and told her to come to the FedEx store with him. Once there, he allegedly stated he had his wife send a package to him in Ratliff's name. Ratliff asked why he would do that, but Spurlin had no answer.
At 6:30 p.m., DTF conducted a narcotics search at Ratliff's residence. They located plastic bags with a small amount of meth, a glass smoking device used for smoking meth, two glass smoking devices used for smoking marijuana and hydrocodone pills. Ratliff stated she has been selling meth from her residence for the past year and a half and has about six customers in the Garland County area.
Spurlin became disorderly at the police department and flipped a wooden table over, causing damages estimated to be $500, adding criminal mischief to his trafficking charge.
Local on 03/03/2015