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O'Neill Today
By the People, for the People
Two Arrested in O'Neill Drug Bust Near Playground
Police executed a search warrant at a residence, leading to charges for possession with intent to deliver near a playground
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The O'Neill Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, executed a search warrant on February 27, 2026 at a residence in O'Neill, Nebraska. As a result, two individuals - Jeffrey W. Barnes and Stacy L. Tharp - were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground.
Why it matters
This drug bust near a playground highlights law enforcement's efforts to crack down on drug-related crimes in residential areas, especially those involving minors. The charges of possession with intent to deliver near a playground carry harsher penalties, reflecting the community's concerns about protecting children from illegal drug activity.
The details
Based on information from an investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol, the O'Neill Police Department obtained a search warrant for a residence on South Madison Street. During the search, they arrested Jeffrey W. Barnes, 39, and Stacy L. Tharp, 51, both of O'Neill. Barnes was charged with possession with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground. Tharp was charged with possession with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- The search warrant was executed on February 27, 2026.
The players
Jeffrey W. Barnes
A 39-year-old resident of O'Neill, Nebraska who was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground.
Stacy L. Tharp
A 51-year-old resident of O'Neill, Nebraska who was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
O'Neill Police Department
The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant and made the arrests.
Holt County Sheriff's Office
One of the law enforcement agencies that assisted the O'Neill Police Department in executing the search warrant.
Nebraska State Patrol
One of the law enforcement agencies that assisted the O'Neill Police Department in executing the search warrant, and provided the initial information that led to the investigation.
What’s next
The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Jeffrey W. Barnes and Stacy L. Tharp at their upcoming court hearings.
The takeaway
This drug bust near a playground highlights law enforcement's efforts to crack down on drug-related crimes in residential areas, especially those involving minors. The charges of possession with intent to deliver near a playground carry harsher penalties, reflecting the community's concerns about protecting children from illegal drug activity.
