A Bradley County man has been transported to prison after being convicted on multiple felony charges stemming from a 2025 drug investigation.
According to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, 75-year-old Grady Burch was taken to the Arkansas Department of Correction to begin serving a 10-year sentence.
Burch was convicted April 10 in Bradley County on charges including simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of controlled substances and felon in possession of a firearm.
The case stems from an Oct. 21, 2025, operation in which agents with the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Burch’s residence on Bradley Road 92.
During the search, investigators recovered multiple controlled substances, including hydrocodone, amphetamine and carisoprodol, as well as gabapentin, THC products and marijuana. Authorities also found multiple firearms stored in unsecured locations throughout the property, including in a shed, a freezer and inside vehicles.
Officials said Burch was found with a pill bottle without a label and $447 in cash on his person. An additional $3,337 was seized from the residence.
During the sentencing phase, jurors were presented with Burch’s prior criminal history, which included two counts of sexual assault.
The jury ultimately recommended a 10-year sentence, which was imposed by Quincy Ross. Under Arkansas law, Burch must serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.
Frank Spain said the outcome reflects the importance of holding offenders accountable.
“We are very pleased with the jury’s decision in this case,” Spain said. “It is vital to the safety of our community that individuals are held accountable for criminal offenses regardless of their age. When convicted felons choose to possess firearms while committing new crimes, they must be punished appropriately to ensure justice is served.”
