Woman Accused of Trafficking Fentanyl Within 1,000 Feet of Daycare

JONESBORO, Ark. — A woman is facing serious charges, multiple of which carry potential life sentences after she was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly trafficking fentanyl within 1,000 feet of both a church daycare and a youth center in Jonesboro.

Leola Tenyl Brodie, 46, of Jonesboro, faces charges including

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• Trafficking of fentanyl, an unclassified felony punishable by 25 to 60 years or life
• Trafficking a controlled substance, a Class Y felony
• Offenses related to records, maintaining premises near certain facilities, enhanced penalties, a Class B felony
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class B felony
• Possession with purpose to deliver, a Class C felony
• Tampering with physical evidence, a Class D felony
• Possession of a schedule VI substance, a Class A misdemeanor

Brodie appeared in court before Judge Tommy Fowler on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The judge found Brodie to be a danger to the community, with her bail set at $250,000 cash-only. If she can make bail, she must wear a GPS ankle monitor.

The probable cause affidavit states that Drug Task Force agents obtained a search warrant for a residence at 1805 Kenwood Street. Agents entered the home and detained two people. As they moved to the rear of the residence, they located the homeowner, Brodie, in the bathroom with the toilet running, water on the floor, and a gallon Zip-Loc bag in the toilet. The bag was field tested and determined to contain suspected methamphetamine.

As agents detained Brodie, the affidavit states they found a small bag of 0.5 grams of suspected meth. The residence was searched and officers found a glass meth pipe, three grams of suspected meth, two grams of marijuana, and a THC vape pen. In Brodie’s bedroom, officers found a safe flipped sideways on the bed that was opened and empty. Agents then found 216 grams of suspected meth bagged up separately. A small digital scale was located with packaging baggies located where the meth was found. Another large digital scale was located in Brodie’s bedroom.

Authorities found several wet bags of illegal drugs in the bathroom where they found Brodie. 345 suspected Fentanyl pills were found packaged in several baggies. Officers also found 34 grams of suspected pure Fentanyl powder in two bags, both of which field tested positive. 14 grams more of suspected meth was found under the sink.

As authorities found another bag containing white powder that was packaged the same as others, they field-tested it for drugs. However, it came up negative. Turns out, that bag contained baby formula. Police noted the way it was packaged as well as the location suggests it was being used as a counterfeit substance.

Police noted Brodie is the only adult resident at the home, residing there with her five-year-old child.

Officers also noted the Southwest Church of Christ and a daycare facility at that location are both within 1,000 feet of the residence. The YMCA is also within 1,000 feet of the residence.

Police also arrested Eirik Lamont Hall, 39, of Jonesboro, at the residence on a charge of possession of meth or cocaine, less than 2 grams. His bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety by Judge Fowler.

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