Hoxie Officers, Assisted by Probation and Parole, Make Drug-Related Arrests

HOXIE, Ark. – The investigation into a suspicious death Thursday in Hoxie has led authorities to make more arrests.

During an investigation into a man’s death early Thursday morning, Hoxie officers, in collaboration with Agents from Arkansas Probation and Parole, conducted a compliance check at a residence located off Texas St. This check was prompted by information revealing that one of the occupants of the home was on supervised probation (SIS).

The compliance check resulted in the discovery of various illicit substances and paraphernalia, a release from the department said. Among the findings were roughly 12 grams of suspected methamphetamine, individually bagged for distribution, along with 1.2 grams of marijuana. Additionally, officers seized two marijuana pipes, three methamphetamine pipes, a straw, two pieces of glass, and a spoon, all showing residue. A pill bottle containing 37 Xanax pills, a set of digital scales, and $248 in cash were also confiscated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

As a result of the findings, David Gaither and Lesia Barton were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver (greater than 10 grams)
• Possession of Marijuana (less than 4 ounces)
• Possession of Schedule 4 Substances
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Following the arrests, in separate post Miranda interviews, Gaither and Barton revealed that the deceased male subject had been at their residence less than an hour before his passing. Both Gaither and Barton claimed that the man ingested methamphetamine, which he had brought with him in a pipe. When questioned about the amount, both parties stated that the man had “at least an ounce” on his person.

Furthermore, Gaither and Barton mentioned that the deceased individual had disclosed his involvement in a traffic stop with Hoxie officers on Tuesday evening. Allegedly, he claimed to have swallowed two “eight balls” of meth prior to being stopped by law enforcement.

These revelations add a new dimension to the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Support Us