An investigation into a possible burglary on Tranquility Drive Friday resulted in the arrest of a man on drugs charges.
Earl Simmons, 56, told Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies that he had been smoking methamphetamine and believed the house belonged to his sister, who currently lives in Oklahoma.
Tri-County Drug Task Force Investigator Joseph O’Neal said in a probable cause affidavit that he was contacted by Deputy Charles White, who had been dispatched to the possible burglary and found Simmons outside the house. During a pat-d0wn search, White located a blue smoking pipe containing a crystal-like substance in Simmons’ pocket.
When White arrived at the house, he was met by Constable Rick Billingsley and a friend of the home’s owner. When the owner was contacted, he said he did not know Simmons and had not given anyone permission to be in the residence.
Two jackets and a pair of boots belonging to Simmons were found inside the house.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
O’Neal reported that Simmons had been staying with the mother of a friend on Kenwood Drive and again said he thought the house belonged to his sister. He was unable to give deputies the address of his sister’s house or a physical description of it. Simmons also said he believed he had put the smoking pipe in his pocket.
On Monday, Pine Bluff District Judge John Kearney set a $10,000 cash-only bond for Simmons after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge him with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Simmons.