SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - WEEKLY UPDATE 03/14/2025

Good morning,

I hope everyone has had a good week! Here at the Sheriff's Office, it is business as usual. We have been working on several drug investigations this week, some of which have taken us to neighboring counties. More information will come on those as soon as we make arrests. I know this message has become redundant, but if you want to continue to sell drugs in our community, please know that eventually, we will meet soon! As I always state, the money may be good now, but the retirement plan is not so good. Many of the drugs we are getting today are laced with the deadly drug Fentanyl. One speck of this drug can be fatal to any unknowing user. One thing happening today is that if a dealer of any drug causes an overdose, they may be charged with murder if we can trace it back to the distributor.

I want to stress to anyone who may be addicted we are here to help you as well. I have assisted several people in entering a rehab program if they're ready to get help. Having been in law enforcement for 40 years, I don't believe the answer is just locking everyone up. Every week, I see people who genuinely want to change their lives. While our primary duty is to arrest those distributing illegal drugs, I want people to know we are here to help those who are struggling with addiction issues. Don't hesitate to contact me at the Sheriff's Office; it will remain anonymous.

Kerry Simmons and crew have been busy with trash pickup this week. They completed pickup on Highway 9 to the Hot Spring County line and then picked up Highway 46 to the Grant County line. They are starting on Highway 229 and 8 and will continue to Carthage. They are doing a great job! While we miss Mr. Rucker terribly, I can say Kerry has picked up where Mr. Rucker left off!

I want to let everyone know that the St. Patrick's Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Mobilization will begin Friday, March 14, and end Monday, March 17th. Expect to see stepped-up law enforcement efforts to combat DWI laws. Please don't drink and drive!

Felony Friday:

Jenkins, Billy Joe, of Bearden; FPD arrest Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threatening, Domestic Battering, Residential Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Killing or Injuring Animal Used by Law Enforcement

Spiller, Jada, of Lovejoy, IL; Possession of a Controlled Substance

Swift, Kanitra, of Fordyce; FPD arrest Residential Burglary and Theft of Property

Thomas, Dennis of Lovejoy, IL; Possession of a Controlled Substance

Dixon, Zachary of Hot Springs; Domestic Battering and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

Juniel, Mario, of Sparkman; Failure to pay and Contempt

Johnson, Christopher of Fordyce; Failure to Appear and Driving with a Suspended Driver's

License

Paden, Lucious of Sparkman; Terroristic Act

Tidwell, Tyler of Fordyce; Criminal Mischief and Harassment

God Bless

Sheriff Mike Knoedl