Two Arrested After Children Test Positive for Meth in Hoxie

HOXIE, Ark. — Two people face Class Y felony charges after a pair of children were allegedly found to have drugs in their blood.

The probable cause affidavit obtained by NEA Report said Hoxie officers responded in August to apartments at 600 Edgar to follow up on an earlier investigation. Officers had previously responded to the location for a call about no adults present with children outside. The affidavit said police found two Xanax pills from the female suspect on that call. A suspected meth pipe was found on the male.

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The newest call in the affidavit happened at about 5:52 p.m. on August 31. Hoxie officers introduced themselves and the reason for being there, the affidavit said, adding that they entered the home with permission. Officers talked with the couple and asked when the last time they used meth was, to which they were told the day before. Officers also asked the two about testing positive for Fentanyl, with the pair insisting they never knowingly bought any.

Authorities received permission to search the house, finding some marijuana and paraphernalia.

The case was in limbo until October 24, when hair follicle results came back for the two juvenile males in the case, a 10-month-old and a 3-year-old. Results showed both children to be positive for meth.

Bryna Maureen Smith, 25, and Jonas Lee Puckett, 27, were arrested around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.

Both face charges including introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another person, a Class Y felony; first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, a Class D felony; possession of a schedule VI substance and drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanors. Smith is also charged with possession of a schedule IV substance for the Xanax, while Puckett faces a paraphernalia charge for the meth pipe.

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