Two Face Potential Life Sentences for Allegedly Dealing Fentanyl-Laced Meth

JONESBORO, Ark. — Two defendants appeared in court for bond hearings on Monday, both accused of possession of fentanyl with the purpose to deliver and other charges after a traffic stop Saturday in Craighead County.

Justin Dewayne Beshiers, 48, of Jonesboro, and Miranda Yeavon Sims-Beiter, 31, of Brookland, were both arrested for possession of fentanyl with the purpose to deliver, a Class Y felony; and possession of meth or cocaine purpose to deliver, greater than 10 grams, less than 200 grams, a Class A felony, on Saturday. Sims also faces charges for no license plate, no proof of liability insurance, or driving on a suspended license.

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Both appeared before Judge David Boling on Monday, with the judge setting bail for each at $150,000 cash or surety. Each defendant also heard the judge read the potential sentences: 10 to 40 years or life in prison for the Class Y felony, and 6 to 30 years for the Class A felony.

The probable cause affidavit says that on May 17, Officer Laster conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 49 and Crain Road for no license plate. During the stop, the officers learned the driver, Miranda Sims, was on probation (SIS) as well as having a suspended driver’s license.

Officers had Sims and her passenger, Beshiers, step out of the vehicle. The affidavit said officers knew both to be narcotic users with prior convictions. Police deployed a K9 to conduct a sniff, and a positive alert was given. The final alert was when the dog came to sit at the driver’s door.

A search of the vehicle was conducted. A pink bag containing approximately 70 grams of meth was found in the center console. Small crystal rocks believed to be meth were found in the floor board on both occupants’ sides.

During a Mirandized interview, Sims agreed the meth belonged to both her and Justin with Justin being the one who bought it, the affidavit said. She agreed her and Justin were going back to her house to use some of the meth and sell the rest to support their habit. She also agreed the meth was originally in a green Crown Royal bag found in the floorboard.

Police conducted field tests on the meth twice. Both times, the tests showed a positive indication of fentanyl being present in the meth.

Both subjects are next scheduled for court on June 27.

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