A Shirley couple was recently arrested in their home for manufacturing methamphetamine and endangering the welfare of their 9 month old baby.    On March 22, 2010, agents with the 20^th Judicial District Drug Crime Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Unit went to 149 Sam Street in Shirley, Arkansas, to follow up on a report they received about a 9 month old baby being exposed to chemicals.

            James Blazier and Jessica Massey were pulling up to their residence when officers arrived.  The officers informed the couple of the allegation about the baby and both agreed to be interviewed.   While conducting the interview, officers discovered that Blazier had a felony absconder warrant from the Arkansas Department of Correction and a bag of white powdery substance in his front pocket. 

 The officers smelled a strong chemical odor coming from inside the residence.   After obtaining consent, officers conducted a search of 2 vehicles and the residence.  Numerous items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine were found in all 3 locations, along with separately packaged bags of marijuana, a baggie of methamphetamine, marijuana cigarettes, used syringes and exposed needles lying around the house, drain cleaners and hydrochloric acid located under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and a sawed off shotgun.    James Edwin Blazier, Jr., 27 and Jessica Massey 24 were arrested and transported to the Van Buren County Jail. 

20^th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Marcus Vaden charged Blazier with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine),  Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Firearm by Certain Person, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor and Maintaining a Drug Premises.  Jessica Massey was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor and Maintaining a Drug Premises.   

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Contact Marcus Vaden @ 336-4247