Jonesboro Man Faces Class Y Felony for Drug and Firearm Arrest

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Craighead County suspect is facing a Class Y felony on the allegation he possessed drugs with a firearm at the same time.

Danny Ray Blake, 49, of Jonesboro, is facing charges including Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, a Class Y felony; Possession of Meth or Cocaine Purpose to Deliver, Greater than 2 GM, Less than 10 GM, a Class B felony; Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, a Class D felony; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class D felony; and Possession of a Schedule VI Substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

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Blake appeared before Judge Tommy Fowler on Monday for his probable cause hearing. Bail was set at $150,000 cash or surety. Blake asked to speak and was reminded of his right to remain silent. Blake said he “made a mistake” in court. Sensing the possibility of more self-incriminating statements, the judge again cautioned him of his right to remain silent.

The probable cause affidavit states that at about 1:55 a.m. on April 14, Craighead County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed a black passenger car traveling east on Manila Street. The vehicle had paper tags that were “not properly secure,” causing it to fold over while it was traveling down the road. As the vehicle turned onto Boydston, deputies could see the tags expired on Feb. 2, 2025.

The deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The passenger, Danny Blake, was not wearing a seat belt. Deputies asked both the driver and passenger to step out after smelling marijuana. After being checked, Blake was found to have an active felony warrant as well as a “very extensive criminal history,” the affidavit said.

Blake admitted to having a “little blunt” on him, and roughly one gram of marijuana was found. A probable cause search of the vehicle led authorities to find a grey backpack with a loaded handgun, about 6.9 grams of suspected crack cocaine, scales, baggies, and Danny Blake’s prescription medication and driver’s license. Nothing else was located.

The defendant’s next scheduled court appearance is 8:30 a.m. on May 22, 2025.

In Arkansas, a Class Y felony carries the potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison.

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