Five individuals were taken into custody Tuesday November 11th, 2025, in rural Clay County.
At approximately 10:20 AM. November 11th, the Sheriff’s Dept. received a phone call from a Bail Bondsman from Tennessee, advising he had information that a fugitive from Tennessee was in Clay County. He also advised that he had the camping trailer where they were living under observation.
The bondsman told the Sheriff’s Dept. that there was another male and female staying in the camper. He advised the address was 550 County Road 461, at the intersection of County Road 472 west of Greenway. He also gave information of a Drug Task Force Agent in Tennessee to contact to confirm this information. The Sheriff’s Dept. contacted Tennessee to confirm the fugitive warrant out of Madison County Tennessee, and to and gather information on this individual.
The agent in Tennessee advised the Sheriff Dept. that the individual, when he was arrested July 13th, 2024, had several guns, and a large amount of Methamphetamine in his possession. They also advised that we should consider him a high risk when we come in contact with him. The Sheriff’s Dept. contacted the Arkansas State Police to assist in taking this individual into custody. The State Police contacted the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to also assist.
At approximately 12:30 P.M. officers from the Sheriff’s Department, Rector Police Department, State Police, and Marshals Service met at the Labor Day Picnic Grounds to organize how to approach getting this individual into custody. Officers decided to approach the address from County Road 473 to County Road 472, and County Road 450 to County Road 461. Officers also went through Greenway to County Road 472. A Rector officer who lives down County Road 461 also had the individuals under observation.
At approximately 1:55 P.M. this officer advised 2 males had got into a Ford Ranger and were traveling east on County Road 472 toward Greenway. Officers set up at the intersection of County Roads 472 and 481 just east of Greenway. When the individuals came over the hill on 472 the road was immediately blocked, and a Felony takedown was conducted.
52yr old Jason Paul Jones of Jackson, Tennessee was taken into custody on a fugitive warrant for Failure to Appear on the charges of Violation of Probation, Convicted Felon Carrying and Possession of a Firearm, Evading Arrest, Possession of Amphetamine, SCH II Drug Violation, Sch VI Drug Violation, and Failure To Appear. After the Stop was made Rector’s drug k-9 Elvis was run around the truck and had positive hits on numerous items in the back of the truck. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found numerous illegal drug related items. 50yr old Jason Waddell of Rector was also taken into custody. His charges are Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Possession Of Meth Or Cocaine Purpose To Deliver GT 1 0Gm But LT 200GM, Criminal Use Of Prohibited Weapon/Brass Knuckles. While the truck was being processed, officers went to the intersection of 461 and 472 and came in contact with 44yr old Renee Michelle Carsley of Rector. Officers asked for permission to search the camping trailer, and they were granted permission. After the search Miss Carsley was taken into custody. She is facing the charges of Possession Of SCH I Or II LT 2GM, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Criminal Use of Prohibited Weapon. The officers then went to a mobile home on the same property and came into contact with several other individuals. The officers conducted a check on these individuals and ask for permission to search the mobile home and a vehicle. The individuals consented, with one having a search waiver on file. After the search 50yr old Melissa Beraud of Rector, and 32yr old Kristen Renee Jewell also of Rector were taken into custody. They will be charged with Possession Of SCH I Or II LT 2GM, Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and 2 Counts Of Endangering the Welfare Of Minor – Risking Physical Injury Or Death. All these individuals were transported to the Clay County Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Dept. wants to thank all the officers and agencies for their assistance.
Ronnie Cole,
Clay County Sheriff