A Hot Springs man arrested earlier this year in a drug sting involving more than 11 pounds of marijuana was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday after pleading guilty in Garland County Circuit Court.
Joshua Carringer, 32, who lists a Talentwood Street address, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, punishable by up to 10 years, while a more serious charge of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, punishable by up to 30 years, was withdrawn by prosecutors.
Two alleged accomplices, Jason Carter Hinze, 32, and Patricia Renee Hinze, 34, who were both arrested the same day as Carringer and each charged with possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, marijuana, are currently free on $3,500 bond each and are both set for trial Oct. 10, 2017.
According to the affidavit, on Jan. 12, shortly after 3:30 p.m., investigators with the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of one box which had been determined to contain approximately 11.2 pounds of marijuana to 155 Commandment Lane, the listed residence of Jason and Patricia Hinze.
No one answered the door, so the package was left on the front porch while DTF investigators conducted surveillance on the residence. A few minutes later, a man and woman, later identified as Jason and Patricia Hinze, arrived and took the package inside the residence.
With the assistance of deputies with the Garland County Sheriff's Tactical Response Team, DTF investigators executed a search warrant on the residence. Jason Hinze allegedly ran out the back door of the residence with the package in his hands and threw it. They detained him and took possession of the box.
The residence was searched and investigators allegedly located four jars with a total of 76 grams of marijuana, a set of digital scales, two grinders with marijuana residue, two smoking devices, a loaded .410 Colt revolver, a 20-gauge shotgun, an AR-15 rifle and $4,375 in cash that was all seized by the DTF.
The affidavit notes investigators had knowledge a third suspect, identified as Carringer, was en route to the residence to pick up the package. Investigators placed the package back on the front porch and continued to conduct surveillance.
Shortly after 6 p.m., Carringer arrived at the residence in a black 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, got out, walked up on the porch and picked up the package. He started walking back to his car when he was approached by investigators and taken into custody. A total of $3,613 in cash was found in his wallet which was seized along with his vehicle.
Carringer was initially held without bond, but later released on $3,500 bond pending trial.
Local on 08/29/2017