He’s held on a whopping $1,000,000 bail in White County.
On May 9, 2025, at 6:19 a.m., James Preston Tarkington, a 32-year-old white male from Searcy, Arkansas, was arrested. The arrest follows an incident initially reported on June 24, 2024, by the Searcy Police Department.
Man Slapped With $1,000,000 Bail In Searcy, Arkansas
According to case files, Tarkington faces serious charges, including simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony. He is also charged with trafficking fentanyl and possessing 10 to 200 grams of methamphetamine, both felonies.
Additional charges include tampering with physical evidence, a Class D felony, and driving while intoxicated by drugs, his alleged second offense. Tarkington also faces misdemeanors for refusal to submit to a chemical test and careless driving.
The incident began when a police officer reportedly observed Tarkington’s vehicle swerving on West Race Avenue. During the traffic stop, Tarkington admitted to having “black methamphetamine” in his vehicle and showed signs of intoxication.
A search of Tarkington’s 2017 Grey GMC Sierra revealed methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun. Field tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, with the drugs weighing approximately 11.8 grams and 1.8 grams, respectively.
Tarkington’s bond has been set at $1,000,000, following a court determination of probable cause. He is currently awaiting trial in White County, Arkansas.
The Central Arkansas Drug Task Force and Searcy Police Department collaborated on the investigation. Further analysis of the evidence is being conducted by the Arkansas Crime Lab.
Please note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
