January 2nd, 2024
Subject: Traffic stop leads to drug arrest
In the early morning hours of January 2nd 2024, at approximately 1:22am, Deputy Tyler Crane conducted a traffic stop at the 19 mile marker of interstate 69 for traffic violations. After making contact with the driver, later identified as Espiridion A. Yanez (37) of Bertram Texas, he was asked to exit the vehicle to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.
After conducting the test, Yanez was placed under arrest for Driving under the influence of what Deputy Crane suspected to be a controlled substance. After a search of the immediate area to Yanez, a Methamphetamine pipe with residue inside was located.
Further search of the vehicle yielded 2 separate baggies containing methamphetamine, and a 9mm Handgun that was reported and confirmed stolen out of Austin Texas.
Deputy Crane was assisted by Deputy Austin Ramage during the course of this investigation.
Yanez was transported to the Graves County RC center where Jail staff moved him to an out of county facility.
Espiridion A. Yanez, 37 year old male, Charged with the following:
– Receiving stolen property (Firearm)
– Possession of a controlled substance 1st Degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine) (Enhanced)
– Drug Paraphernalia BUY/POSSESS (Enhanced)
– Careless driving
– Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance 1st offense
– No operators/Moped license
January 1, 2024
Re: Weekend Drug and Firearm Related Arrest
In the late evening hours of December 27, 2023, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the Melber Community in reference to information that a convicted felon may have been in possession of several firearms. After responding to the location, Deputy Austin Ramage and Deputy Tyler Crane obtained and executed a search warrant on the residence. Their investigation yielded 13 firearms and as well as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The deputies identified a suspect as Lawrence “Larry” Sparks, 34 of Benton. Sparks was convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree – Methamphetamine in 2022 in McCracken County.
On December 30, 2023, at approximately 2:00 AM, deputies were notified that Sparks had returned to the residence where the search warrant had been served on December 27th and 28th. Deputy Austin Ramage and Deputy Tony Cornwell responded to follow up on the case and to try to locate Sparks. Deputies arrived and located Sparks. He was found to be in possession of more methamphetamine and other narcotics. Sparks was arrested and released to the Graves County Jail on charges from Deputy Ramage’s initial investigation and the subsequent investigation from December 30.
Deputy Garret Clark, Deputy Peyton Jackson and Deputy Austin Caldwell also assisted with this case.
Sparks was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 2nd or Greater Offense – Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and other drug offenses.
