Woman Faces Drug Paraphernalia Charges and Steeling Copper

The St. Francis County Sheriff Department executed a search warrant at 72 SFC 727 the residence of Vivian Parchman.  At the time of the search warrant Vivian Parchman and another older female were the only ones at the residence.  Investigators seized a small amount of marijuana, scales, and a glass smoking pipe.  Vivian admitted that all the items recovered was hers so the other female was not charged.  This drug investigation is also connected to the recent AT&T copper wire thefts that has been reported in the city and surrounding farm irrigation pivots and well heads that have been hit that investigators have been working on.  Vivian Parchman 46-years-old who is on parole is charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class D Felony and Theft of Scrap Metal, a Class B Felony for her involvement in the recent thefts.  Investigators have been working extremely hard on the copper thefts and have identified several individuals involved and warrants have been issued.  

Thieves have specifically targeted farm irrigation pivots and agricultural wells, stripping copper wire and causing costly damage and operational disruptions for local producers.  These thefts not only result in significant financial loss due to repairs and replacement equipment, but also interfere with irrigation operations critical to crop production. In several cases, farmers discovered damage only after systems failed to operate, resulting in downtime and potential crop stress.

These crimes have a serious impact on our farming community. Beyond the value of the stolen copper, the damage to equipment can cost thousands of dollars and disrupt irrigation at critical times of the growing season. We take these cases seriously and are actively investigating.  Investigators believe the thefts often occur overnight or during early morning hours and may involve individuals removing wire quickly to sell as scrap metal. The department is working with area scrap dealers and neighboring jurisdictions to identify suspects and prevent future incidents.

Anyone with information related to these thefts, or who observes suspicious activity near farm irrigation equipment, is encouraged to contact the St. Francis County Sheriff Department at (870) 633-2611or submit a tip to St. Francis County Sheriff Department website. Tips may be made anonymously.