During the months of July and August of 2024, Agents with the 3rd Judicial Drug Task Force and Detectives with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office began a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking stemming from an inmate who was incarcerated at the Sharp County Detention Center. During the investigation named “Operation Jail Mail”, Agents and Detectives monitored hundreds of hours of inmate phone calls, video calls, and text messaging.
On Aug. 6, agents with the 3rd Judicial Drug ask Force, Detectives from the Sharp County Sheriffs Office, Deputies from the Lawrence County Sherifes Office: Officers from the Black Rock Police Department and Arkansas State Troopers, executed a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling from the Memphis, Tennessee area. As a result of that traffic stop, Agents, Troopers and Deputies arrested Randy Mitchell from Williford as well as a juvenile male from the Williford area, for the offenses of trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following the discovery of approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine being transported the vehicle occupied. by the two.
Following the traffic stop Agents with the 3d Judicial Drug Task Force and Detectives with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office executed two search warrants for residences inside Ozark Acres in the Williford area.
As a result of the search warrants, Detectives and Agents gathered enough evidence to formally charge Linda Kinsey of Williford with Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons, Theft by Receiving and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Detectives and Agents also filed additional charges in Sharp County on Randy Mitchell for Possession of Methamphetamine greater than 10. grams but less than 200 grans and manufacture of spirituous, vinous, or malt liquor without a license.
At the conclusion of the investigation Detectives and Agents also charged current incarcerated inmate Joesph Mitchell with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and unlawful use of a communication device.
In total the operation resulted in the criminal and civil seizure of the following: 282 grams of methamphetamine; 9 firearms (1 stolen); 1,452,00 in US Currency and one vehicle.
