Overdose suspected in death of long-time drug suspect
Staff writer
A former Hillsboro resident with a long history of drug charges was found dead March 30 at his home in rural Hesston.
Ardell P. Jones, 48, who had drug charges pending in both Marion and Harvey County, died from an overdose, the Harvey County sheriff’s office said.
A second man, 55, whose name has not been released, also was found unresponsive at the home. He was treated at a hospital and released.
Harvey County undersheriff Shawn Chapman said drug paraphernalia was found in the house. The paraphernalia was sent to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory to determine the exact drug in the paraphernalia, Chapman said.
An autopsy was performed at the Forensic Science Center in Wichita and authorities are awaiting toxicology results.
“But we know that will take some time,” Chapman said.
Chapman said presumptive tests related to cases in which Jones was arrested in Harvey County were positive for methamphetamine.
In Marion County, Jones was awaiting trial on charges of possession of heroin with intent to distribute it, distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The charges were filed April 5, 2022.
He also was awaiting trial on charges of transporting an open container of liquor and speeding July 28.
In Harvey County, he was scheduled for a plea hearing on charges of possession of opiate, opium, narcotics or certain stimulants; possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia; and driving while his license was suspended. Those charges were filed Feb. 2, 2022.
In other Marion County cases, Jones was charged Aug. 8 with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Those charges were dismissed Oct. 24 for reasons not specified in court records.
He was charged June 14 with possession of methamphetamine and interference with law enforcement. Those charges were dismissed Oct. 19 for reasons not specified in court records.
He pleaded no contest Sept. 9, 2020, to theft.
He pleaded guilty July 3, 2019, to speeding.
He was charged May 5, 2018, with distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and acquisition of proceeds from a drug transaction. Charges were dismissed March 25, 2020, for reasons not specified in court records.
In an assortment of civil cases filed against Jones, he was garnished Oct. 20 for nonpayment of income tax; ordered jointly with Stephanie L. Johnson on Oct. 16, 2021, to pay $181.86 plus interest to Central National Bank; and ordered Dec. 30, 2019, in Harvey County to pay Newton Healthcare Corp. for unpaid medical bills.