Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Suspected Fentanyl Dealer

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect was on his way to sell drugs when police stopped and arrested him with various narcotics, including Fentanyl pills, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Jonesboro Police Department.

On Dec. 3, an investigator observed a grey Ford F-150 failing to signal 100 feet before the stop sign at Thorn and Race Street. A traffic stop was initiated. The officer wrote that he knew the driver, David J. Burks, and knew him to be on felony probation with a search waiver.

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Police performed a search and found three suspected Fentanyl pills, 15 suspected Alprazolam pills, and a gram of marijuana. Authorities weren’t finished, however, and took Burks back to his residence at the 900 block of Craighead Forest Road for a probation search. Once there, police found 11 Fentanyl pills, 47 Alprazolam pills, 28 grams of marijuana, a THC cart, 5.75 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, a scale, a heat-sealing device with clear baggies, and several containers with residue.

The PC affidavit says Burks also was required to turn over electronic devices for search. During a search of his iPhone, police observed several transactions where he allegedly sold Fentanyl for $10 a pill and 3.5 grams of pot for $25.

Once he was read his Miranda rights, the affidavit alleges that Burks admitted to buying the Fentanyl pills for $5 a pill and selling them for $10 a pill to make a quick profit. He also allegedly said he was on his way to sell a girl four ounces of weed.

David Jalen Burks, 30, of Camden, faces charges that include:

• Possession of Fentanyl with purpose to deliver, a Class A felony
• Use of a communication device, a Class C felony
• Possession of Sch 1 or II, a Class C felony
• Possession of Sch IV or V with purpose to deliver, a Class D felony
• Possession of Sch VI with purpose to deliver, a Class D felony
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class D felony
• Failure to use turn signal, an unclassified traffic violation

Judge Tommy Fowler set a high bond for the suspect at $150,000 cash-only, noting he was on probation, had a prior failure to appear charge, and had a prior drug delivery conviction. The judge also noted it was Burks’ third arrest in 15 months.

His next court date in this case is January 24, 2025.

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