Izard County couple arrested after child tests positive for methamphetamine

An Izard County couple has been arrested after one of their children tested positive for methamphetamine. The couple had recently moved to the area and was found living in a tent in the back of a pick-up with their two children at a gas station in Melbourne. Forty-one-year-old Chad Ryan Griffith faces multiple charges as it was determined he is a registered sex offender who had not registered since moving and is a convicted felon who had guns in the vehicle. Thirty-six-year-old Danielle Griffith is facing two charges.According to probable cause affidavits in the case, Sheriff Charley Melton learned Chad Griffith was a registered sex offender from California and had just moved to Horseshoe Bend.

On Sept. 30, Melton and an investigator went to the gas station where the family had been staying. Chad Griffith was inside the business and was arrested without incident. He had a glass smoking pipe and methamphetamine on his person.

Guns were located inside the truck, including one stamped “Property of the U.S. Government.” Also found in the truck was marijuana, a smoking device and drug paraphernalia.

Danielle Griffith was also arrested. She told law enforcement they had moved to Izard County “to try to get their life in order.” She said they were buying the property in Horseshoe Bend on contract.

The kids, a 13-year-old girl and a nine-year-old-boy were turned over to the Department of Human Services. They were then taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock where they were tested for drug exposure through a hair drug test. The results showed the boy had been exposed to and tested positive for methamphetamine.

Chad Griffith is facing felony counts of failure to comply with registration and reporting requirements; possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of firearms by certain persons, meaning he is a convicted felon; and two counts of first degree endangering the welfare of a minor. He also faces a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia and he has a penalty enhancement for being a habitual offender. He is free on $25,000 bond.

Danielle Griffith faces two felony counts of first degree endangering the welfare of a minor. She is free on $5,000 bond.

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