Woman sought by DTF arrested on warrants by HSPD
A local woman on parole sought by the local drug task force on multiple warrants involving drug trafficking was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a traffic stop by Hot Springs police.
Chelsy Ann Franklin, 25, who lists a Mason Street address, was taken into custody shortly before 3:30 p.m. and charged with three counts of delivery of meth, each punishable by up to life in prison, three counts of fraudulent use of a communication device, each punishable by up to 10 years, possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to six years, and a proximity to certain facilities enhancement, punishable by up to 10 years.
Franklin remained in custody Thursday in lieu of a $102,500 bond and a parole hold and is set to appear today in Garland County District
Court. According to court records, she was convicted of possession of meth with purpose to deliver and possession of alprazolam with purpose to deliver in 2018 in Washington County and sentenced to five years in prison, but later paroled. She was previously convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in 2016 in Washington County and sentenced to four years’ probation, which was later revoked.
According to the probable cause affidavit on the DTF charges, between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1, 2021, investigators with the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force and Homeland Security used a confidential informant to conduct three controlled purchases of meth from Franklin at predetermined locations in Hot Springs and Garland County.
The weight of the meth purchased during each of the three transactions was over 10 grams but less than 200 grams, classifying it as a class Y felony. A cellphone was used by Franklin to arrange each of the three purchases.
The location of the second purchase from Franklin allegedly took place within 1,000 feet of First United Methodist Church and Child Daycare Center, resulting in the additional proximity enhancement.
The affidavit notes a portion of the meth purchased each time was field-tested to confirm a positive reaction for meth.
A warrant for Franklin on the charges was issued by the DTF on Feb. 9.
According to the affidavit on Wednesday’s arrest, around 3:30 p.m., Hot Springs police Cpl. Richard Nunez made a traffic stop on a white Mercury Mountaineer at Illinois and Wade streets after DTF agents had given information the occupants of the vehicle were believed to have warrants.
Nunez made contact with the female driver and had her step out. Then he saw a female rear passenger allegedly “attempting to hide” and had her exit the vehicle as well. The second female was identified as Franklin who had warrants from DTF and a parole hold.
Franklin was taken into custody and in searching the vehicle, officers reportedly found a pipe with meth residue in plain view in the rear passenger seat. Franklin reportedly admitted the pipe belonged to her, resulting in the additional paraphernalia charge.