Mannella jailed for contempt after erratic behavior during court hearing

A Baxter County man facing multiple drug-related charges was jailed for contempt of court after an unusual court appearance this week.

36-year-old Joshua James Mannella appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court/Criminal Division Monday (May 11) for a plea hearing in which a probation agreement had reportedly been arranged. However, during the hearing, Mannella disagreed with the facts of the case as they were being read by prosecutors.

Judge Andrew Bailey noted Mannella appeared erratic, was fidgeting and seemed to be having difficulty understanding what was taking place in court. At one point while waiting to be taken for a drug test, Mannella reportedly sat in the courtroom and pulled out an unlit cigarette.

The judge then ordered Mannella to submit to a drug test.

While attempting to provide a sample, Mannella reportedly dropped two separate sample cups into the toilet.

Following the incident, Judge Bailey found Mannella in contempt of court and ordered him held in the Baxter County Detention Center for a 24-hour hold.

Mannella has faced multiple drug-related arrests over the past year.

In July 2024, Baxter County deputies responded to a trespassing complaint on Highway 101 North and made contact with Mannella sitting on the property. According to an affidavit, Mannella consented to a search of his backpack, where deputies reportedly located syringes, drug paraphernalia and approximately 14.67 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

In a separate November 2024 incident, Mountain Home police responded to a reported disturbance on Cherry Street and encountered Mannella allegedly acting erratically and yelling behind a residence. Officers reportedly located methamphetamine, multiple glass pipes and drug paraphernalia during the investigation.

Mannella has faced charges in the two cases including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.