MANSFIELD, La. – A joint investigation between the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and Sabine Parish Narcotics Agents has resulted in the arrest of a Mansfield man and the seizure of approximately half a pound of methamphetamine.
On January 31, 2025, law enforcement officers concluded an eight-month investigation into Odell Malone III, 56, who was suspected of distributing methamphetamine in and around DeSoto Parish.
The investigation led to a coordinated traffic stop on Malone’s vehicle at the intersection of Highway 175 and 346 in the Oxford area.
During the search of the vehicle, agents recovered over six ounces of methamphetamine and a large sum of U.S. currency. A juvenile under the age of 17 was also inside the vehicle at the time.
Malone was already wanted on an outstanding DeSoto Parish Narcotics Warrant for six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) and one count of Cruelty to Juveniles. Authorities allege that a juvenile had been present on multiple occasions during suspected drug transactions.
Following Malone’s arrest, DeSoto Narcotics Agents, along with the SWAT team, K9 unit, and the Tri-Parish Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Grove Street in Mansfield, believed to be associated with Malone. Officers discovered additional drug paraphernalia during the search.
Malone was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on multiple charges, including:
• One count of Cruelty to Juveniles
• Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Meth)
• Vehicle Required Headlamps
• Child Restraint Required
At the time, he had an existing Warrant for 6 counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) and 2 counts of Cruelty to Juveniles
DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson commended the efforts of all agencies involved, emphasizing their commitment to removing dangerous narcotics from the community.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
