JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro suspect arrested in a shoplifting case is now also facing felony drug and evidence-tampering charges after officers and jail staff allegedly found suspected cocaine hidden in plastic bags, according to police.
Noemi Cruz, 31, of Jonesboro, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine or cocaine greater than 2 grams, a Class C felony, along with shoplifting, second offense, and tampering with physical evidence, both Class D felonies.
According to the Jonesboro Police Department, officers responded on April 18, 2026, to 1815 E. Highland in reference to a shoplifting complaint involving Cruz. Police said Cruz was detained after passing all points of sale with $239.45 in unpaid merchandise.
The unpaid items in the shopping cart included Pokémon trading card packs, household decoration items, and other miscellaneous retail goods, according to the report. Police noted Cruz had previously been convicted of shoplifting in 2018.
After Cruz was taken into custody and transported to the Craighead County Detention Center, the transporting officer inspected the rear seat area of his patrol vehicle during the booking process, which the report states is standard procedure. During that inspection, the officer allegedly found a folded one-dollar bill lying on the driver’s side rear floorboard.
Police said the officer suspected the folded bill had been deliberately placed there and could contain contraband. When he returned to the booking area, jail staff had already discovered a separate folded bill concealed by Cruz while she was being processed into the jail, according to the report. Staff told the officer the folded bill contained a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine.
The officer then reviewed rear camera footage from inside his patrol vehicle and reported seeing Cruz make movements consistent with manipulating an item and placing an unknown object into her mouth during transport.
A short time later, jail staff again notified the officer that they had found an additional clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, also believed to be cocaine, while Cruz was in the booking area. Jail staff also advised that Cruz had a small plastic bag containing what they believed to be cocaine in her mouth, according to the report.
Cruz’s next court date is June 26. Bond was set at $10,000, with the judge noting the defendant may be eligible for drug court.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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