EVENING SHADE, Ark. — Two Sharp County residents initially charged with Class Y felonies after a child in their care tested positive for methamphetamine and other drugs have each been sentenced to six years of probation under negotiated plea agreements.
Margaret Lafaye Ivie, 28, and Brian Ray Ivie, 53, each pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, a Class D felony, according to sentencing orders filed in Sharp County Circuit Court.
Brian Ivie entered his plea June 22, while Margaret Ivie entered hers July 20. Circuit Judge Rob Ratton sentenced each defendant to 72 months of probation.
In both cases, prosecutors nolle prossed charges of introducing a controlled substance into the body of another person, a Class Y felony, as part of the agreements. Nolle prosequi means prosecutors declined to pursue the charges.
The investigation began Aug. 10, 2025, when Special Agent Blair Ables with the 3rd Judicial District Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle because of expired registration, according to probable cause affidavits.
Margaret Ivie was driving the vehicle, and a child under 13 was also inside. Ables reported finding items consistent with methamphetamine use in the vehicle.
Margaret Ivie was arrested in connection with possession of less than 2 grams of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the affidavits.
The child was removed from the defendants’ care on Aug. 22, 2025, after the Arkansas Department of Human Services determined that caregiver substance abuse interfered with the ability to care for and protect the child, the affidavits state.
During the DHS investigation, Margaret and Brian Ivie both tested positive for methamphetamine, according to investigators.
A hair-follicle sample was collected from the child Sept. 3, 2025. Test results returned Sept. 17 showed the child was positive for amphetamines, methamphetamine and THC, according to the affidavits.
Investigators alleged that drug use inside the Evening Shade home caused the child to ingest, inhale or otherwise be exposed to methamphetamine. The child remained in foster care at the time the affidavits were filed.
Margaret Ivie received credit for three days previously spent in jail. She was ordered to pay $1,295 in fines, court costs and fees.
Brian Ivie received credit for 55 days previously spent in jail and was ordered to pay $3,365 in fines, court costs and fees, including a $1,925 “pay for stay” charge and a $250 DNA sample fee.
Deputy prosecutor M. Joseph Grider represented the state, and attorney Matt Dellinger represented both defendants.
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