Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 26, 2024 – Federal indictments have allowed prosecutors to wash their hands of trying two people on multiple drug and firearms charges.

Among those having state charges dropped are a father and daughter.

On April 16, Misti Dawn Barber, 38, of Jonesboro, was one of 15 arrested in a sweep by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas will take over the prosecutions of Barber and her father, who were both facing state charges.

In June 2021, Barber was arrested by Jonesboro police after she was swerving on South Caraway Road.

Officer Kat Inouye pulled her over at the intersection of South Caraway and Phillips Drive. Inouye immediately noticed that Barber was possible intoxicated.

A search of her vehicle turned up 12.4 ounces of methamphetamine, a 9 mm handgun, $9,900 in cash and a meth pipe.

She was charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm and trafficking a controlled substance, both class Y felonies, possession of a firearm by a certain person, a class D felony, and four misdemeanors.

Those charges were dropped by state prosecutors today in light of the federal charges she faces.

In a separate case, her father, Bobby Barber, 60, of Jonesboro, had charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor dropped today for the same reason.

Bobby Barber was pulled over by Craighead County sheriff’s Deputy Cody Ladner on Sept. 18, 2022, for an improper lane charge near the intersection of Highways 226 and 67.

A search of Barber’s vehicle found 13.4 pounds of meth, $1,994 in cash and a meth pipe.

A subsequent search of Barber’s residence in Jonesboro turned up another 5 pounds of meth, $120,203 in cash, marijuana, digital scales and various pipes.

Today, two circuit court judges granted the state’s motions to seize all of the money taken from the Barbers, as well as Bobby Barber’s 1996 Ford Mustang.

Sonia Hagood, the 2nd Judicial District prosecuting attorney, in a statement today, said, “The relationship between the 2nd District PA and the United States Attorney’s Office is stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing the partnership and appreciate their assistance in making NEA a safer place.”