ASH FLAT, Ark. – A 46-year-old Cave City man with a Drasco address, already held in the Sharp County Detention Center since July 18 on an investigative hold, now faces 24 additional counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
James C. Collins was charged Thursday following a joint investigation by the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department and the Third Judicial District Drug Task Force. The probe remains ongoing, with additional charges possible.
The initial hold stemmed from a July incident at a residence in Cave City. Cave City Police Patrolman Dalton Corter responded to meet Department of Human Services representative Ted Ford regarding an allegation of child abuse. A juvenile victim under the age of 16 told Ford that Collins had given her methamphetamine “to see if she liked it.” The child tested positive for the drug.
Cave City Police Chief David Edwards was advised, noting the child had made a previous abuse allegation. Patrolman Corter and Lt. Milligan had spoken with the child earlier, though court filings do not specify the date or any prior record of charges.
Collins permitted a search of the residence, assisted by Drug Task Force Special Agent Willie Baker. Officers found a tourniquet with brown residue and a syringe under Collins’ mattress, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Collins was then taken into custody on preliminary charges: a Class Y Felony for introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another, a Class D Felony for endangering the welfare of a minor, and a Class D Felony for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell stated, “The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the citizens of Sharp County and ensuring that those who exploit children are held accountable. This investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Collins’ total bond is set at $130,000. Formal charges on the new counts are pending, with updates expected as the case progresses.
