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DRUGS, GUNS SEIZED IN PINE BLUFF

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT

A long term investigation into alleged drug activity on the east side of Pine Bluff resulted in the arrest of two people Tuesday morning and the seizure of 10 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $16,000, several firearms, and more than $4,800 in cash, authorities said.

Jefferson County Sheriff Gerald Robinson said Terry Johnson, 29, and Erin Johnson, 28, both of Pine Bluff, were arrested at a house in the 800 block of East Harding Avenue when Tri-County Drug Task Force agents, officers of the police vice and narcotics unit and the Arkansas State Police served a search warrant at approximately 7:15 a.m.

“We’re going to continue sending the message that drug dealing will not be tolerated in this county and anyone involved will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Robinson said.

Among the firearms that were seized was an AK-47 assault rifle that had been reported stolen in California, as well as shotguns and handguns, some also listed as stolen, plus scales, plastic bags, surveillance equipment, ammunition for the weapons, and a vehicle, according to search records.

Both Terry Johnson and Erin Johnson were taken to the Jefferson County Detention Center where they were held on probable cause of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, theft by receiving, unauthorized use of property to facilitate a crime, and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Terry Johnson was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm as the result of a previous conviction, and because the house was located within 1,000 feet of both Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, which was across the street, and the former Indiana Street Elementary School, he and Erin Johnson could also face enhanced penalties if convicted.

“There were drugs all through that house,” said an undercover officer after the warrant was served. “Everywhere we looked, we found more.”

Task Force Commander Capt. John McNeil said agents were familiar with Terry Johnson because of prior arrests dating back to 2001 for similar activities, and the search warrant was served following lengthy surveillance of the house, and several controlled purchases of drugs by undercover officers.

Two young children who were in the house at the time the warrant was served were released to a relative, McNeil said.

“The investigation is continuing and we expect to make more arrests in this case,” Robinson said.

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