Idaho Falls man wanted for burglary and theft arrested on more charges after traffic stop
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IDAHO FALLS — An Idaho Falls man previously wanted for theft and burglary charges was arrested and allegedly found to be in possession of narcotics and a handgun, leading to additional charges.
Paul Jack Arnett, 45, has been charged with one count of grand theft; one count of burglary; one count of unlawful possession of a firearm; one count of trafficking in methamphetamine, 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams; two counts of possession of a controlled substance; and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use.
Court documents state that on July 16, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office received reports of tools stolen from a work trailer. The value of the tools stolen was $1,280.
Law enforcement obtained security footage from the property where the trailer was parked. It showed a suspicious person and vehicle, but the footage was not clear enough to obtain a license plate or identify the person through facial recognition.
Later, deputies located the vehicle in a photo on Facebook and ran the plates. The vehicle was registered to Arnett, and Arnett’s driver’s license photo allegedly matched the suspect seen in security footage. Deputies were unable to contact Arnett, however.
Months later, on Sept. 12, officers with the Idaho Falls Police Department pulled over a vehicle that allegedly failed to properly signal a turn.
Arnett was riding as a passenger in the vehicle while an unidentified female drove. Upon initiating the traffic stop, the officer recognized Arnett, who had a warrant out for his arrest. In addition, officers said they smelled marijuana.
After other units arrived on scene, Arnett was taken into custody, documents state. During his arrest, Arnett allegedly admitted he had a gun on his person and narcotics in his pocket.
Officers allegedly found 28.8 grams of methamphetamine, an unspecified amount of fentanyl, 3.6 grams of marijuana, a glass pipe and a Smith & Wesson 38. Special revolver, court documents state.
If found guilty of the charges, Arnett may face up to life in prison and be required to pay fines of up to $178,000.
Arnett has been appointed a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on active cases.
Arnett is set to appear in court Sept. 23 for a preliminary hearing.
Although Arnett has been accused of a crime, that does not necessarily mean he committed it. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.