Two Facing Serious Felonies After Drugs, Guns Found During Probation Search

JONESBORO, Ark. — A 67-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman are both facing multiple felony charges after officers said they found crack cocaine, marijuana, and firearms during a probation search last week.

According to a probable cause affidavit, on October 18, Jonesboro police observed traffic at the 200 block of Cedar Street and identified the location as the residence of Edward Eurise Wolfe, 67. Officers said Wolfe was known to them from prior drug-related encounters and was on active probation with a search waiver on file.

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When officers made contact with Wolfe and a woman, Laurienne Stannette Shelton-Johnson, 54, at the front door, they entered the home and conducted a search. Police said they found multiple small bottles containing suspected crack cocaine in the bedroom. Additional searches reportedly uncovered more drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, suspected crack pipe, and a spoon with residue.

Investigators also found a small safe inside the living room. Wolfe initially told officers he did not have the key and refused to open it. After officers forcibly opened the safe, they said they found a silver and black 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, ammunition, multiple small baggies containing suspected crack cocaine, a title to a car in Wolfe’s name, and social security checks made out to him. Officers also found 1.59 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 0.7 grams of marijuana inside a pill bottle.

A second firearm was reportedly located in the bedroom, and police said both Wolfe and Shelton are known felons prohibited from possessing guns.

Officers also seized cellphones belonging to Wolfe during the search. Police reported text messages suggested drug-dealing activity.

Wolfe and Shelton were both arrested on charges of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony; possession of meth or cocaine and drug paraphernalia, both Class B felonies; use of a communication device, a Class C felony; possession of a firearm by certain persons, a Class D felony; and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Wolfe also faces a Class C felony charge of use of a communication device.

By itself, a Class Y felony can carry a punishment of 10 to 40 years or life in prison.

Special Judge Ralph Wilson set Wolfe’s bail at $75,000 cash or surety. Shelton’s bail was set at $15,000 cash or surety.

Both are next due in court on November 25.

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