Parsons Police Department Arrests Non-Compliant Offender for Multiple Charges

The Parsons Police Department announces the arrest of Justin Dale Ard, age 33, of Parsons, on June 12, 2024, at approximately 3:15 PM. Ard was taken into custody for a Failure to Appear warrant and new charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and five counts of Violation of the Offender Registration Act.

The arrest followed an incident where Ard's wallet was found at a local business and turned in as found property. Ard came to the Parsons Police Department to collect his wallet, at which point he was apprehended for the active warrant, by Off. Blake Sanchez. During the arrest process, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were discovered in his possession.

Further investigation revealed that Ard was non-compliant with his registered offender status, stemming from a conviction for Conspiracy to Manufacture of Controlled Substances in Oklahoma. Officer Sanchez promptly notified the Parsons Registered Offender Program, initiating a parallel investigation. It was determined that Ard had last registered in Montgomery County, KS, in July 2021 and was listed as non-compliant by Montgomery County. After moving back to Parsons at the beginning of March 2024, Ard failed to register with the Labette County Sheriff's Office, resulting in five counts of Violation of the Offender Registration Act.

Lieutenant Kyle Wiford commented on Officer Sanchez for his diligence and commitment to public safety: "Officer Sanchez's dedication to thorough investigation and attention to detail ensured that a non-compliant offender was brought to justice."

Lt. Wiford also extended gratitude to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Labette County Sheriff's Office Registration Divisions for their crucial assistance in this case. "The collaboration and support from both Montgomery and Labette County's Registration Divisions were instrumental in ensuring this investigation's success. We appreciate their dedication and partnership in maintaining the safety and security of our communities."

Ard remains in custody as the investigation continues. The Parsons Police Department is committed to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance with offender registration requirements to protect the community.  

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

# # # # #