Paragould Man Accused of Drug, Firearm Offenses After Home Search

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould man is accused of drug and firearm offenses after investigators reported finding suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and two firearms during an Oct. 15 home search, according to an arrest affidavit.

The affidavit names Andrew Kelly, 76, as the suspect. Court records describe a search by the Paragould Police Department’s vice unit at a residence on West Kingshighway.

Search Began as Probation Search

Investigators initially conducted a probation search at the home, where they found numerous glass smoking pipes and a plate containing suspected methamphetamine in common areas, Investigator Hunter De Sesso wrote in the affidavit.

Kelly was seen leaving a room containing what investigators described as a methamphetamine smoking pipe, according to the affidavit.

Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the rest of the residence. That search uncovered two firearms, additional drug paraphernalia, suspected methamphetamine and marijuana, the affidavit states.

Four Counts Listed; Bond Set at $75,000

The affidavit lists one count each of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony; possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

The felony controlled-substance count concerns less than 2 grams of methamphetamine. The misdemeanor controlled-substance count concerns a Schedule VI substance weighing less than 4 ounces, according to the affidavit.

Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause for Kelly’s arrest and set bond at $75,000 cash or surety in an Oct. 16 order. 

The release conditions require Kelly to remain law-abiding and prohibit him from possessing weapons.

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