Delivery Warrants Lead to Cocaine Manufacturing Case in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A drug investigation that began with two controlled buys led to arrest warrants, a June 17 arrest, and a search that resulted in a Class Y felony cocaine manufacturing charge, according to court documents.

Robert Sanders was arrested for two counts of delivery of meth or cocaine, more than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, Class B felonies; manufacture of cocaine, more than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, a Class Y felony; two counts of possession of meth or cocaine, Class B felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class D felony.

First Affidavit

According to a probable cause affidavit tied to the delivery charges, the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force began investigating Sanders in April after receiving information that he was involved in selling crack cocaine and methamphetamine in the Jonesboro area.

The affidavit said a confidential source provided information about Sanders, including vehicles he drove and addresses where he stayed. Between April and May, agents coordinated two controlled purchases using the confidential source.

Before the purchases, the source met with agents at a secure location, was given money and a covert recording device, and was searched before and after each purchase, the affidavit said. Agents said no illegal contraband was found on the source before or after the controlled buys.

The affidavit said the source bought an off-white hard substance suspected to be crack cocaine from Sanders during both controlled purchases. The purchases were conducted under physical and electronic surveillance, and agents said the source positively identified Sanders after each buy.

According to the affidavit, each purchase involved suspected crack cocaine weighing between 2 and 10 grams.

Second Affidavit

A second probable cause affidavit said agents were conducting surveillance June 17 at a residence on North Rogers Street, where Sanders lived. Officers had arrest warrants for Sanders for delivery of controlled substances, and a search warrant had already been signed for the residence.

Agents said Sanders left the residence in a vehicle and was taken into custody after a traffic stop. He was brought back to the residence for the search warrant to be executed.

During the search, agents reported finding several loose baggies, two boxes of opened sandwich baggies, digital scales with white residue, and several cans of cleaner in the kitchen area.

According to the affidavit, agents noticed two cleaner cans — one labeled Powerhouse carpet cleaner and another labeled Auto Bright vinyl cleaner — appeared suspicious. Agents took the cans outside and unscrewed them, finding empty baggies and suspected cocaine or crack cocaine inside both cans.

The affidavit said the Powerhouse carpet cleaner can contained four baggies of suspected cocaine or crack cocaine. The Auto Bright vinyl cleaner can contained two baggies of suspected cocaine or crack cocaine.

Agents also reported finding pots and pans near the sink with white residue. One of the pots tested positive for cocaine after a field test wipe was used, the affidavit said.

During questioning, Sanders said he tested the product with a kitchen spoon that also tested positive for cocaine, according to the affidavit. The search also found a torch and ammonia, which agents said are commonly mixed with water and cocaine and heated to make crack cocaine.

The affidavit said the total amount seized was 16.94 grams of cocaine and 44.17 grams of crack cocaine.

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Sanders appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who set temporary bond at $250,000 cash or surety. However, the judge appeared to become irritated in court as he learned on Monday that his temporary bond was altered to $150,000 cash or surety. It was not clear if a circuit judge signed the order.

His next court date is June 30.

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