The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man and his wife who live in a home where they provide licensed daycare have been jailed after the police reportedly found drugs and weapons inside of the residence.
Herbert Wayne Hartley and his wife Barbara own a home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and when a friend of Herbert’s became alarmed that the 62-year-old man had not been answering his telephone he alerted the authorities.
When the police went to check on the situation to ensure Herbert’s well-being, they went inside the house and allegedly came across 13 plants that they suspect are marijuana that had recently been harvested. In addition, they reportedly found two pounds of marijuana flower, over $30,000 cash, several firearms, and just over two-and-a-half ounces of kratom.
Kratom, which is legal in most states, but not in Arkansas, comes from a tropical tree that sports leaves with the capability to produce effects that have reported feelings similar to opiates offering relief from pain, and also the ability to cause the user a feeling of alertness.
The home that Herbert and Barbara share has reportedly served as a licensed home childcare business called Little Darlings Daycare & Preschool for nearly 30 years. During the most recent inspection of the facility, it met all of the required standards for operation.
DHS requires any guns, which must not be loaded, and ammo to be stored in a locked place, and no drugs or drug-related equipment can be in the home even when no children are there. When they visited the house they reported that they did not find any children on the property at the time.
Herbert and Barbara Hartley were taken into custody on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession with the intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of a controlled substance. They were each issued $55,000 bonds.
In response to the marijuana claims, Herbert reportedly said that he had applied for his medical marijuana license and held the belief that he was permitted to grow plants.
The home is reported as no longer operating as a childcare since Monday when the Hartley’s handed in their license due to potential violations of DHS policies.
The Hartley’s neighbors offered comments regarding the incident stating that the couple was quiet and friendly and that they were quite surprised to learn of the allegations.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a drugs or weapons crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.