Jonesboro, Arkansas – A 35-year-old Jonesboro man is facing three criminal charges after police investigating the welfare of a 6-month-old child allegedly found suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside a home, including items in the child’s bedroom.
According to a probable-cause affidavit, Craighead County District Judge David Boling found probable cause Wednesday to charge Andrew Blake Barker with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine weighing less than 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
The drug possession charge is a Class D felony, while possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor. The endangering-the-welfare charge is a Class B misdemeanor.
The investigation began on Aug. 16, when Jonesboro police officers went to a home in the 1000 block of Kimberly Lane to conduct a welfare check involving the infant.
When officers arrived, they spoke with Barker and a woman outside the residence. The woman was identified as the child’s mother. An officer then entered the home with the two adults and also spoke with the child’s father, who was inside.
The affidavit states that Barker was on parole at the time. During a search, an officer allegedly found a small baggie containing what was believed to be methamphetamine inside Barker’s pants.
Police then continued their welfare check inside the residence. The child was found on a bed in the parents’ bedroom, and the child’s mother showed the officer the room belonging to the infant.
According to the affidavit, officers found several items in the child’s room that raised concerns. A pillow and blanket were reportedly on the floor where Barker had been sleeping. Police also allegedly found tattoo equipment, a metal plate containing marijuana residue and other items described as drug paraphernalia.
The affidavit also states that a marijuana bong that appeared to be a toy was sitting on a shelf alongside other baby toys.
When questioned about the items found in the room, Barker allegedly told police that all of the paraphernalia located there belonged to him.
The condition of the residence was also described in the affidavit. Investigators reported seeing what appeared to be dog feces on the carpet, along with ants, gnats and piles of clothing throughout the home.
“It should be noted that there was what appeared to be dog feces smashed into the carpet, ants, gnats, and piles of clothes all through the residence with the paraphernalia and needles used for tattooing on the floor in the child’s room,” the affidavit said.
The allegations involving the child’s living environment form the basis of the third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor charge. The investigation began as a welfare check on the 6-month-old.
Court records indicate Barker now faces three charges stemming from the incident. The case includes allegations involving both suspected drugs and drug-related items, as well as the welfare of the child.
A judge has set Barker’s bond at $25,000 cash or surety. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment on Sept. 30.
The allegations contained in the probable-cause affidavit are part of the criminal case against Barker. The charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
