CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Staff writer
A call Saturday to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Department regarding a domestic-violence claim ended up with the suspect also being arrested on drug charges and possession of several firearms, possession of counterfeit bills and more than $200,000 in cash.
The sheriff's office called a press meeting this morning to give details about the arrest.
On Saturday, the OCSD was dispatched to a residence in the 2900 block of Ouachita 67 on a domestic-violence-related complaint. A news release provided by the OCSD stated that when OCSD Deputy Ryan Coleman arrived at the address on Ouachita 67 and talked with the woman about the domestic-abuse claim, the woman stated that her boyfriend, Steven Neal, age 55, pulled a weapon on her.. The OCSD dispatch also informed Coleman that Neal is a convicted felon, states the incident report.
Coleman put Neal in "investigative detention" so Coleman could continue his investigation, according to the report. Coleman reports that during the investigation, he located a weapon inside the home, along with other firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia. He also stated the there was a "very strong odor of marijuana" in the home.
The 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force also became involved, and a search warrant on the property was executed. According to the release, several pounds of marijuana were found in several locations in the house, along with illegal drugs, 26 firearms, several cases of ammunition, several counterfeit bills, and more than $200,000 in cash in individually-wrapped bundles in different places throughout the house.
Neal is facing charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by certain persons, possession of a controlled substance, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, maintaining a drug premises and forgery.
When asked for details about Neal, 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney John Thomas Shepherd said:
“(It) appears that he resided at the residence just across the line in Ouachita County near Smackover, Arkansas.
"So we believe that most of his dealings - as far as his day-to-day life - occurred in Smackover.
Regarding the amount of prison time Neal may be facing, Shepherd stated:
“No formal charges have been filed yet. But certainly you can see the 26 firearms could potentially result in a 'felon in possessions charge' which will be a “B” felony which will be 6-30 years on each count. The vast quantity of controlled substances, along with the possession of the gun is a simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms which is a class “Y” felony, could run up to 40 years on each count.
"So he is looking at a very sizable amount of time in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. But at this time, no charges, officially, have been filed in the circuit clerks office.
"We are still reviewing the evidence before making any determination on that."