Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler announced on April 9 that a coordinated law enforcement operation in the Hasty area led to the recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs, and two arrests. The search warrant was executed on April 8 by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office with support from the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison Police Department, and Arkansas State Police.
The case involved electronic evidence and intelligence indicating stolen property at a specific location identified through GPS coordinates. According to Wheeler, “GPS coordinates showed the exact location of the stolen items. The suspect was a known fugitive.”
During the search, officers recovered a game camera reported stolen in Newton County and a Honda ATV taken from Boone County. Authorities also seized approximately 39 grams of suspected methamphetamine, five grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, eight grams of suspected marijuana, as well as paraphernalia related to drug use and distribution.
Two individuals were arrested at the scene: Justin Martin, age 29, who faced multiple warrants in addition to being charged with Theft by Receiving (a Class D Felony), and Michelle Campbell. Campbell was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver (Class A Felony), Possession of Psilocybin (Class D Felony), two counts related to possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B and Class D Felonies), and Possession of Marijuana (Class A Misdemeanor). Both suspects were transported to Newton County Jail.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for serving residents across an area that includes parts of Ozark National Forest and Buffalo National River according to its official website. The office provides law enforcement services along with emergency response programs aimed at enhancing community quality of life according to its official website. Since its establishment in 1842, it has focused on professional service delivery in public safety according to its official website.
The broader impact reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to address crime through responsive policing strategies while maintaining public outreach initiatives according to its official website.
