Burglary investigation leads to large drug bust | Crime

An investigation this week into a burglary at the Batesville City Yard led to large drug bust.

On Monday, someone broke into several automobiles at the city yard, including an Independence County Sheriff’s Department/Metro Unit vehicle.

According to Sheriff Steve Jeffery, the suspect stole a rifle from the back of the car.

Following several interviews and evidence gathered at the crime scene, officers developed a “person of interest” and later that evening brought him in for questioning.

Sheriff Jeffery said the suspect confessed to the break-in and theft of the rifle.  The man reportedly told officers he traded the gun for drugs.

Based on the man’s confession and further interviews, Sheriff Jeffery said his office was able to establish enough probable cause to get a search warrant for a home in Independence County.

When deputies went to the home they reportedly found the stolen rifle as well as other firearms and a large amount of drugs.

As of Thursday, February 14, the following people have been charged in the case:

Jimmy Lewis, 27, is charged with one count of commercial burglary (Class C felony), four counts of breaking and entering (Class D felony) and one count theft of property (Class C felony).  Bond was set at $85,000.  He is currently in custody in Izard County.

Jogbodie Marie Hook, 40, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-meth (Class A felony), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine (Class A felony), possession with intent to deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D felony), simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y felony) and felon in possession of a firearm (Class D felony).  Bond set at $50,000.  She is not in custody.

David Lee Sims, 30, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-meth (Class A felony), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine (Class A felony), possession of marijuana with intent to deliver (Class D felony), theft by receiving (Class D felony), simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y felony) and felon in possession of a firearm (Class D felony).  Bond set at $50,000.  He is currently in custody.

Kira Nortchutt, 24, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-meth (Class A felony), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine (Class A felony), possession of marijuana with intent to deliver (Class D felony), theft by receiving (Class D felony) and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y felony).  Bond set at $50,000.  She is currently in custody.

Genio A. Corley, Jr., 21, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-meth (Class A felony), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine (Class A felony), possession of marijuana with intent to deliver (Class D felony), theft by receiving (Class D felony) and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (Class Y felony).  Bond set at $50,000.  He is currently in custody.