Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces the arrest of Donnie Ray Downs (age-56) of Florien on Friday afternoon, June 23, 2023. The Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team had been investigating the illegal narcotic sales activity of Downs for the last few months. T.N.T. Agent B. Jones was able to obtain an arrest warrant for Downs and a search warrant for Downs' home and property at 426 Ash Pond Road off Plainview Road in Florien. T.N.T. Agents located and seized methamphetamine, marijuana, digital measuring scales, grinder, and three firearms during the search. Down's three young children were also in the home at the time and have been exposed to his recent illegal drug activity. Louisiana Department of Child & Family Services was notified and came to the scene to investigate. The three children were given a safe place to stay with family members and friends. Downs was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
- Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
- Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth),
- Possession of drug paraphernalia,
- 3-counts of Possession of firearm in presence of CDS,
- 3-counts of Illegal use of CDS in presence of persons under age 17,
- Warrant for 3-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
- Warrant for 3-counts of Illegal use of CDS in presence of persons under age 17.
No bond has been set at this time by the 11th Judicial District Court.