On Friday, officers of the Izard County Sheriff’s Department, while assisting the Hardy Police Department with locating Chase Hussung, age 18 of Sharp County and a male juvenile of Melbourne who were suspects in an burglary in Sharp County, developed information regarding thefts and burglaries that occurred in Izard County.

Several items of stolen property were recovered during the investigation. An all terrain vehicle that had been stolen from Watters Lumber Company in Melbourne was recovered along with electronic items stolen from a Knob Creek cabin owned by Carl Cooper. A dirt bike was recovered that had been stolen from Shane Rogers on College Drive in Melbourne. Several items to include a shot gun, television, and guitar that were stolen from a residence in Horseshoe Bend were also recovered. Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that Hussung and the juvenile were arrested on the Sharp County charges and charges are being formalized against the two relating to the Izard County thefts and burglaries.

Sheriff Lawrence said the investigation is continuing as the two individuals are persons of interest in other crimes.

In unrelated activities, Richard Harshaw, age 43 of Oxford was arrested Sunday night on charges to include public intoxication, disorderly conduct, careless driving, and driving with a suspended license. Lisa Harshaw, age 34 of the same address was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Both remain in the Izard County Detention Facility in lieu of bond in the amounts of $1,270 and $410.

In a domestic violence call, Justina Berckfeldt and her husband, Jeffery D. Berckfeldt, both of Melbourne were arrested on charges of domestic battering third degree and endangering the welfare of minor second degree. The male called the sheriff’s office stating that the female had cut him with a knife. Upon arrival of the officers, the female said that her husband had been doing math and was having an affair with another women. Justina Berckfeldt was released by the courts and Jeffery Berckfeldt posted bond in the amount of $250 and was released from the Izard County Detention Facility.

Following an automobile accident on July 13, Sonya Kidd, age 40 of Horseshoe Bend was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, careless driving, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Kidd posted bond Thursday in the amount of $1,240 and was released from the Izard County Detention Facility.

Debra Kay LeBlanc, age 48 of Jonesboro was arrested Friday on charges of possessing an instrument of crime, driving with a suspended license, and driving left of center. LeBlanc posted bond the same day in the amount of $2,340 and was released from the Izard County Detention Facility.

Savoy Dylan Stewart, age 23 of Calico Rock and Steven Hood, Jr., age 23 of Melbourne were arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and possessing a gun. Both are on an investigative hold pending formal charges.

Joseph Garcia Wilson, Jr., age 56 of Wideman was arrested Thursday on charges of terrorist threatening third degree- two counts, domestic battering third degree, and seven counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. Wilson remains in the Izard County Detention Facility in lieu of $3,500 bond.



News Release
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2010
POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence