Brookland Police Arrest Two With Suspected Meth in Diaper Bag

BROOKLAND, Ark. — Two people face charges that include child endangerment after suspected meth was found in a diaper bag for children, according to probable cause affidavits signed by Detective Dustin Norwood from the Brookland Police Department.

On Dec. 7, BPD officers responded to an address in the 100 block of Brooks Street in Brookland after a report of an attempted overdose. Officers met with Kesha Hale and Ryan Larry Young, both known to law enforcement, the affidavit said. Hale told police Young said he took pills and became unresponsive. That’s when Hale called 911. Young denied taking pills to the officer and after investigating, officers determined Hale never actually saw him taking the pills.

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When an officer spoke with Hale, the affidavit said she stated she had been using drugs and could not pass a drug test. Another officer overheard this and asked if there was anything illegal in the house. Hale stated there was. She led officers to the location of the drugs – a children’s diaper bag.

The affidavit says Hale reached into the bag and produced a pipe used to ingest meth, along with a container of suspected methamphetamine. Based on this, both Young and Hale were placed into custody.

After being taken to the detention center and given Miranda warnings, the affidavit said Hale admitted the drugs were both hers and Young’s. She also agreed the drugs came from inside of a diaper bag.

At the time of the arrests, there was a child between the ages of 7 and 8 present in the home. A relative took custody of the child.

Kesha Marie Hale, 32, of Brookland, faces charges of Possession of Meth or Cocaine Less Than 2 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, both Class D felonies. She is also being charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. On Monday, Dec. 9, Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $15,000 cash or surety. Her next court date is on January 24, 2025.

Ryan Larry Young, 35, of Brookland, also faces charges of Possession of Meth or Cocaine Less Than 2 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, both Class D felonies. He, too, is also being charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Judge Fowler set bail at $15,000 cash or surety. His next court date is on January 24, 2025.

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