Two arrested for cocaine

Cocaine confiscated in search

On April 1, 2008, Chief Investigator Ben Nix of the Miller County Sheriff's Office was called by Ray Dean Heard. He stated he was checking his fields due to a theft of farm equipment that had occurred in his farm fields.

Mr. Heard stated he saw a box Chevrolet car with a black male driver and a white female passenger pulling out of one of his fields. He stated that he had reported a theft that had happened in that field three days ago to Decatur County.

Investigator Nix met up with the vehicle that Mr. Heard described to him. The car was parked in a field off of Johnny Freemen Road. When the investigator arrived, he identified the person in the driver's seat as Walter Benton Jr. When the investigator went around to identify the female passenger, he saw a bag on the ground near the passenger's door with what appeared to be cocaine in the bag. Investigator Nix then retrieved the bag.

The female was identified as Jessica Ann Burrell. The investigator could see what appeared to be cocaine in the front driver's and front passenger seat of the vehicle. Ms. Burrell was taken into custody by Deputy Sheriff Mary Price, and Mr. Benton was taken into custody by Deputy Sheriff Brad Cox.

Investigator Nix also located a small quantity of marijuana and approximately one ounce of what appeared to be powder cocaine.

Both subjects were taken to the Miller County Sheriff's Department where they were questioned by Investigator Nix and Captain Shane Rathel. Both subjects gave statements on the drugs that were located stating they were using drugs and who the drugs belonged to.

Mr. Benton Jr. was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine with intent. Ms. Burrell was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

While interviewing Ms. Burrell she stated that the bag of cocaine on the ground by the passengers door was hers. Mr. Benton was shown the cocaine that was on the ground of the driver's side of the car and Mr. Benton stated it was his. Both parties stated they were snorting cocaine and smoking marijuana in the car. Ms. Burrell stated she was given her cocaine by Mr. Benton.