Couple arrested for drugs

Children found in filthy home

— A couple was arrested Friday morning for possession of drugs and three small children were removed from a “filthy” home infested with roaches, according to Pea Ridge police.

The arrest was the culmination of a month-long investigation by Pea Ridge police. Officers located over 4 ounces of suspected synthetic marijuana.

The couple - Derrick August Wade Ross, 30, and his wife, Amanda Lea Ross, 28, - were both booked into the Benton County Jail for felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, felony unauthorized use of property, felony proximity to certain facilities and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Their three young children, ages 8, 6 and 3, at home at the time of the search, were placed into the care of a family member by representatives of the Department of Human Services.

“The officers’ search was hindered by the deplorable condition of the home, including trash, dirt, scattered clothing, roaches,”Ledbetter said. “A large amount of pornographic material, including magazines and DVDs, was found.”

The living conditions prompted police to contact DHS and thechildren were placed in the care of a relative.

Initially, police received information from “an anonymous source,” according to the probable cause affidavit, that the residents of 1072 N. Davis St. were selling synthetic marijuana. In conjunction withU.S. Postal Service officials, police discovered that the residents received numerous packages from Tampa, Fla.

Mrs. Ross usually called the post office to checkon delivery of the package and picked it up, according to the affidavit.

A similar package arrived last week with hole in it, apparently having been damaged in transit and police were notified andwere able to see the “green leafy substance in a plastic bag,” according to the affidavit.

After Mrs. Ross picked up the package, she delivered it to her residence, then left. Police surrounded the house and entered, finding Mr. Ross and the children. Mrs. Ross was then arrested at McDonald’s restaurant, her place of employment.

“This investigation and the seizure of dangerous drugs are a result of the hard work and expertise of our officers. Synthetic marijuana is a dangerous drug and this is a big step in keeping the city of Pea Ridge safe,” Ledbetter said.

The home is within 1,000 feet of school property - the football field - and is thus subject to anadditional enhancement for sentencing, police said.

According to state statutes, an additional 10 years may be added to the sentence if convicted because the crime was committed in the proximity of school property.

Both were booked into the Benton County Jail shortly after noon Friday, Nov. 16.

News, Pages 1 on 11/21/2012