Two Face 13 Felony Counts After Paragould Traffic Stop

Police say the search yielded suspected methamphetamine, prescription pills, THC vape pens, packaging materials and $2,918 in cash.

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Two people face a combined total of 13 felony counts and sentencing enhancements after a Paragould Police Department traffic stop allegedly uncovered methamphetamine, prescription drugs, THC vape pens, packaging materials and nearly $3,000 in cash.

Probable-cause affidavits filed in Greene County District Court identify Tom Lewis as the driver and Jennifer Heinrich as a passenger. The Aug. 5 stop began after an investigator with the department’s Vice Unit reportedly saw the vehicle fail to signal at least 100 feet before turning.

After the stop, Sgt. Boling deployed K-9 Koda to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle. Koda alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics, giving investigators probable cause to conduct a search, according to the affidavits.

In the affidavit supporting the allegations against Lewis, Investigator Hunter De Sesso wrote that police found approximately 121.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, three hydromorphone pills, five morphine pills, 20 clonazepam pills and seven THC vape pens.

Investigators also reported finding an electronic scale with suspected methamphetamine residue, empty packaging materials and approximately $2,918 in cash.

Police said Lewis waived his Miranda rights and told investigators he had sold more than 10 grams of methamphetamine at a West Emerson address before the traffic stop. He also allegedly admitted selling approximately 30 milliliters of liquid morphine.

Investigators said the address was within 1,000 feet of Paragould High School and a day care.

Lewis faces two Class Y felony counts of delivery of methamphetamine and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. He also faces a Class A felony count of possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver.

The remaining allegations against Lewis include two Class B felonies for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia; two Class C felonies for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with purpose to deliver and unlawful use of a communication device; and two Class D felonies for possession of Schedule VI and Schedule IV or V controlled substances with purpose to deliver.

In a separate affidavit, Investigator Jacob Harris wrote that police found a small brown pouch inside Heinrich’s purse. The pouch allegedly contained three syringes, including one loaded with 10 milliliters of a clear liquid.

Investigators also reported finding several plastic bags containing a total of 9.4 grams of a substance later confirmed to be methamphetamine and a bottle labeled “morphine sulfate” containing approximately 20 milliliters of liquid.

After being advised of her rights, Heinrich allegedly told investigators she had used methamphetamine and morphine earlier that day. She also allegedly admitted helping Lewis arrange illegal drug sales through her cellphone that day and on previous occasions, including an earlier methamphetamine sale at the West Emerson address.

Heinrich faces two Class B felony counts of possession of methamphetamine and a Schedule II controlled substance with purpose to deliver. She also faces Class C felony unlawful use of a communication device and Class D felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both affidavits include sentencing enhancements for alleged drug activity within 1,000 feet of a school and day care. The enhancement could add 10 years to a sentence upon conviction.

District Judge Curtis Hitt signed the probable-cause findings Aug. 6 and set bond for Lewis and Heinrich at $100,000 each, cash or surety. Both would be required to wear ankle monitors and are prohibited from possessing weapons if released.

Jail records showed Heinrich’s bond had already been reduced to $50,000 by Monday afternoon.

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