Quartet arrested in drug raid
By submitted, 06/29/18 9:02 AM
HOPE – On Wednesday June 27, at approximately 4:00 PM, officers from the 8th North Task Force, Arkansas State Police, Hope Police, Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Prescott Police and FBI agents armed with search warrants and arrest warrants conducted four simultaneous raids, on one business and three apartments in Hope.
The warrants were a culmination of an approximate year-long investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine and other illegal substances in Hempstead County. Undercover agents over the past several months purchased methamphetamine at the KFC restaurant from Edward Barzar one of five managers at the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant located at the Bypass and Hazel in Hope. Barzar was taken into custody at the restaurant without incident by Hope Police Officers. The restaurant was temporally closed while agents executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics. One other employee 23-year-old Tierra Green of Hope was arrested for obstructing governmental operations and possession of marijuana.
The search resulted in no illegal drugs being found inside the KFC, although a K-9 alerted on a vehicle in the parking lot resulting in Green being charged with possession of marijuana. The restaurant was closed approximately 2.5 hours, but was was released to the District Manager of KFC.
At the same time other agents executed two search warrants at the Imperial Apartments on South Main Street, and one at an apartment in the San-Fernando apartment complex located off the old Lewisville Highway.
Agents confiscated more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, more than a pound of marijuana, more than $16,000 in cash and several vehicles. While at the Imperial apartments officers obtained a search warrant for another apartment which resulted in recovery of a stolen motorcycle.
Also arrested was Dale Wayne Sullivan, 53, of Hope, for possession of controlled substance with purpose, and Deidra Johnson, 24, also of Hope,.
All four were transported to the Hempstead County Detention Center where they are awaiting a first court appearance.
