Case Against Elderly Jonesboro Woman Accused of Trafficking Fentanyl Near School Dropped After Her Death

JONESBORO, Ark. — A 76-year-old woman was facing charges, including a Class Y felony for alleged trafficking of fentanyl, after an arrest in Jonesboro.

The probable cause affidavit states that on May 13, 2025, agents with the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment unit at 1005 Rain Street. Agents had used a confidential informant to allegedly buy drugs from a male, Jamie Harris.

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As they entered, agents reported an older female trying to get into the bathroom before being stopped. The woman was found with a pill bottle that contained pills labeled “Centrum S 3” and a baggie containing a hard substance that later field tested positive for fentanyl. Police weighed 3.3 grams of fentanyl.

After searching the apartment, agents found three plastic baggies containing a white powdery substance. The police reported finding digital scales in a kitchen cabinet and plastic baggies in a kitchen drawer.

Officers spoke to the female and reported she agreed to speak to police without her attorney present, allegedly admitting that she was trying to get to the bathroom to throw the drugs away. The woman reportedly said she believed cocaine to be in the pill bottle.

Police also reported that the address is approximately 412 feet from the International Studies Elementary School.

Jail records show Dorothy Jean Harris, 76, of Jonesboro, was arrested on June 23. She faced charges including trafficking of fentanyl, a Class Y felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class B felony, and tampering with evidence, a Class D felony. She also faced enhanced penalties for alleged distribution near certain facilities.

Originally, Judge Tommy Fowler set a temporary bond at $250,000 cash or surety. On Wednesday, June 25, the bond amount was lowered to $25,000 by Judge David Boling, with the judge noting the culpability of the companion case against Jamie Harris. 

An obituary shows Dorothy Harris died Feb. 28. Online court filings show the state dropped her case March 6 because she was deceased.