Used with Special Permission of the Author Rest In Peace. Marshal: Vacant Courthouse: Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building and United States Courthouse Address: 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room C-109 PO Box 50184. He was found still in his seatbelt. He says he has personally investigated allegations involving Baker and the county's drug dealing and found no basis for them. Baker's second-biggest transaction involved a land-for-land trade with the federal government. Knox deleted references to confidential sources he said were afraid for their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29. "They're doing Craig and me and you and everybody one hell of a favor here," Harper reminded Minor. Went camping and exploring around the area a few years ago, especially in the Mckillroy WMA and parts of the Ozark NF. About 8 percent have graduated from college. Wheeler also said she didn't recall filing the lawsuit. Forest Service documents on the sale indicate the agency estimated the values of the swapped land to be equal. And his badge is shining bright. Gary Wayne Johnson, a worker at a Wesley broom handle factory, sued Baker, Chief Deputy Steve Treat and former Deputy Steve Corkern, who is now Huntsville's police chief. "A lot of people call it that, but I don't know the origin.". Listen 5:20. It was a bed, Phillips' family said later, in which no one ever slept. The county seat is Huntsville. Sheriff Ralph Baker, the man who befriended David Mac, and taught him what it means to be an outlaw. Someone recommended this book to my husband and he couldn't wait to start reading it. Having raised pot in Arkansas myself and then sent off to the pen for five years I can certainly relate and assure the audience the local cops are indeed in on it in this state. Green S.C. State Constables. , Paperback And he gets so mad at the court system Copyright 1996-2023, The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc, Registration for the 2023 National Police Week 5K goes up $5 on March 2nd save on our introductory pricing and, register today to run or walk in your hometown, View Management broke up the fight. Hathorn was finally tested Sept. 22, more than six weeks after Everett and Knox were off the case. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Harper told F.M. Baker testified that he earned a little less than $20,000 as sheriff, and that he owned 648 acres of forest and farm land in Madison and Franklin counties and a share of a lake lot in Missouri. Sheriff Baker lost his life in the flooded waters of White River near St. Paul in the early morning hours while investigating the theft of stolen property in the area. Contrary to accepted practice among state and local police agencies, Baker maintains no inventory of drugs or other evidence seized by his office and keeps no log of the drugs he destroys. "Since I've been sheriff, we hadn't hardly got any meth at all," he said in June. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. But crank is his intoxicant of choice. "It became a moot point when the employee resigned.". The list of suspects has grown so long that attorneys and police involved in the complex investigation of drugs, sex and deaths uncomfortably joke that the murder produced "the suspect of the week.". and may not be duplicated without permission, Investigator David L Bell Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC, WE could use more sheriff's like him. I purchased this book through my daughter's Amazon link. But McKnight told investigators the incident had happened in the weeks before Phillips' death. HUNTSVILLE From the first radio call two minutes before noon, panic was a partner in the investigation of Billie Jean Phillips' murder. Sheriff Baker's death has touched Madison Sheriffs of Madison County Ralph Baker Ralph Baker Article by Joy Russell Back to Previous Page Anyone having Information, Pictures, Stories, or Corrections, regarding the Sheriff's of Madison County that they would like to contribute for publication please contact ralberts@mcso.info But a check of probate records in Madison County shows no evidence of an inheritance by either. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime. Ralph Baker Dead 1/8/98 With interest, it came to $125,829.76. I wouldn't even venture to guess.". He peeks out the window at each passing car. Historians put Madison County's official age at 161. He moved to Florida shortly after, according to law enforcement officials. "You know you're talking to a dead man," he says. At the heart of the confrontation over drugs, investigators said, was Baker's reluctance to bring in a Madison County man for DNA testing, a man repeatedly identified as a methamphetamine dealer during Arkansas Democrat-Gazette interviews. In fact, Baker was an outlaw before he was a sheriff. But, in pretrial testimony, club owner Jeannie Ward cited three separate incidents involving Baker that night. An analysis of the state's circuit court computer files shows 69 cases involving drug charges were filed in Madison County between 1993 and last May. More than three years after she was murdered, Billie Jean Phillips' death has done more than confound and divide law officers. A jury rejected claims Patricia Baker and Nelson each made that the other had crossed the center line on Arkansas 23 a mile north of Huntsville near Withrow Springs State Park. He seldom ever gets a thanks, "He doesn't like that.". He said the most memorable testimony came from a man who said that Bolinger, who still serves as county treasurer, personally delivered forms to voters allowing Bolinger to take their ballots back the courthouse. Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records. If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. ', "But when you start breaking down doors, then Ralph gets mad," the dealer adds. By the late 1980s, they had turned toward the big money that methamphetamine could bring. She didn't begrudge Baker and his cousins their profit. Columbia, South Carolina And briefly he thought of his loved ones October 19, 1997 at 8:55 p.m. Fogley is one of the sheriff's most emphatic supporters. Want even more control of your Reflection? The tops of both his feet had red semicircular marks, which Claytor attributed to boot heels. From the first marijuana seed he planted, to the Devil's bargain Mac struck with Sheriff Baker, this book explores their harrowing journey on the twisted outlaw trail. feel as Rev. The newspaper examined more than 200 documents. Although the hills and hollows echoed with whispers after the sheriff's alleged suicide, no one dared to reveal the hidden truth behind his double life. Police would never raise questions about the mussed bed or take the bedclothes that might have provided some evidence of a killer. With a handful of household chemicals and some ingredients used in hog feed, dealers can produce a drug that sells for $1,600 to $2,000 an ounce. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has interviewed Northwest Arkansas lawmen and government officials, prison inmates, former and current Madison County drug dealers, and the friends and family of Billie Phillips -- more than 130 people in all. Both say he is above reproach. , ISBN-13 It was a curious election, with allegations of widespread voter fraud. No other deputies were listed on copies of receipts provided by Baker in response to an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request. Law enforcement officers came from all over the state to pay their When I was little I remember the Cock Fights in our yard and the Moonshine in the Sheds. Imagine breaking the law without fear. Minor said, the case felt like a setup. He's cursed and assaulted often, Most importantly, this book reveals one of Arkansas' darkest secrets, and demystifies one of its greatest legends. Cain, along with Phillips' brother and one of her sisters, beat the sheriff's office to her house. They have paid out about $484,250, including one $200,000 purchase. Baker's former property became part of the Ozark National Forest. Crawford, whose parents knew Ralph Baker's father, said his deal with the Bakers was one of several involving family property. Marshals Service in Fayetteville, also declined to talk about the case. October 19, 1997 at 8:52 p.m. At his home he cannot be found. He says Baker has told him the rules. A year later, with Crumbley retiring, Baker won office as part of a slate of political newcomers, defeating Republican Johnny Reed 2,844-2,681. "I realized that Joey Bingham had a speech problem at the time," Baker testified. But the statistics may deceive. That came soon after Minor and Samuelson had taken one of Baker's informants into the woods and pulled four of his teeth with pliers. The R&N Baker Trust bought 744 acres in the St. Paul area from a general partnership, Crawford Brothers, in November 1995. The man "had a brother out of his mind or a total drunk all the time," Enfield said. He started toward Springdale on Highway 68, taking Deputy Sheriff Phillip Morgan with him. Discover more of the authors books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more. County residents with a great sense of loss. A much smaller transaction gave Baker his living room back. Biography ID: 38791252 . Sheriff Ralph Baker, the man who befriended David Mac, and taught him what it means to be an outlaw. Past and Present Sheriffs of Madison County Names that are highlighted or underlined are linked to pages with additional . Want even more control of your Reflection? Gulledge said she wanted the Wheeler property, but then realized that, because of the confusion over property lines, it took in the living room of Baker's house. Baker, who earns $31,000 a year as Madison County's sheriff and tax collector, declines to talk about his land deals. Another poll watcher, Derice Davis, signed an affidavit saying that Baker spent most of election day on the porch outside the Hilburn precinct. He even got up in the middle of the night to read it and finished it quickly. A bachelor party for a federal drug agent led to another allegation of brutality. Minor said Baker took the cash without question but that the two never discussed its purpose. "We are more convinced than ever that we have a lawsuit against all three defendants. This is his tale about life as a marijuana moonshiner in the Ozark Mountains, and the corrupt sheriff who made it all possible. In the past two. Franklin Lakes NJ 07417. Minor, who said he is speaking now because Craig, 44, is dying of cancer and living away from Madison County, said he asked Baker to make a deal. "I've worked with Ralph Baker 21 years. HUNTSVILLE Ralph Baker has been buying land longer than he's been sheriff, at least since 1967. Rest in Peace, Sheriff Baker. Publisher "Boy, that sure is a nice deal," said Dr. Martin, told of the dramatic increase. Copyright 1999 - All Rights Reserved Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. "They had to make money off of it," he said. at solemn attention as the hearse led by law enforcement officers passed He called Harper, and Harper called Baker. Baker pleaded no contest to burglary and grand larceny charges on April 2, 1958, and drew two years in the Arkansas Penitentiary. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price. Almost to a person, they expressed a puzzling fear of Ralph Baker. But he usually has a second job He knows he will sell enough this week to support his habit and pick up a little sex with a neighbor woman along the way. Madison County is a county located in the state of Arkansas. "I've always had a few bucks, and Ralph has, too," he said. If you go there, stay to established campgrounds and or use outdoor guide services, or be armed and watch your back. Phone: (808) 541-3000 Established on March 18, 1959 God Bless! Bill Baker had traveled with the Weaver Brothers, making a national name for himself on the steel guitar. "They were old-timers. In the past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper's telephone calls. He said that Baker had not contacted him until F.M. He dropped out of school after the ninth grade. Ralph E Baker Ralph Baker (1917 - 2007) Jump to: Biography Memories . Baker and his partners now own at least 1,450 acres, mostly in southern Madison County, valued at $227,865, according to tax records. Most of the entire front page plus some of the other pages was dedicated to him and the accident.) The family's well-established ties in the community help as well. Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2020. "I don't know how much you boys make writing stories, but we pay pretty well," Baker said. He said one envelope contained $200, the other $1,000. Published on Jan 31, 2021. 1973 - 1998. Rusty could be a g******** suspect. County RALPH CARED'. Much of Baker's land -- and much of southern Madison County -- is heavily wooded. 1988/06/20. Among the Northwest Arkansas law enforcement community, Baker has both detractors and defenders. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. Most talked only reluctantly. He asked how come [his brother] couldn't go into town to vote, and the man responded, `Well, I tell you, friend, he were loud and drunker than hell. He said he doesn't worry about the criminal consequences of a crystal methamphetamine -- or "crank" -- habit that costs $4,800 to $6,000 a week. Ralph Baker had served as Sheriff of Madison County, Arkansas, from 1973 until his tragic death on January 5, 1998. "We didn't realize he [Brashears] sold it to the Baker boys, the three Bakers, and they were going to sell it to someone we understood was going to put a used-car junk pile on that land.". She'll say, 'OK.' Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records. And you'll never live long enough to see him out of the pen again,'" Minor remembers. He worked the regional circuit and opened a store and cafe amid the rolling hills along Arkansas 23. There are no busts in Madison County. He's told me, 'If you want to mess up your mind, that's your fault. That's a legitimate way of making money as far as I'm concerned," Margaret Cornett said. Drug dealers who acknowledge being paid by either Baker's agency or the federal Drug Enforcement Administration for help with Madison County drug busts say they never received payments of more than $100, and then no more often than a few times a year. In all, Enfield tossed out 150 votes, and Democrats admitted to 19 defective ballots. "Why don't you cool down? Jones returned control of the investigation to Baker and Fogley. F.M. 1955 - 1962. Minor and Samuelson got probation on the marijuana charge, but were sentenced to five years in prison on a first-degree battery conviction. Baker removed the drugs from his truck after the accident. He isn't married. It all boils down to the fact that they did not want any outsider owning land on that farm. "But he ain't eating corn on the cob.". The average family earns $24,776 a year, according to the 1990 Census. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Paul.". Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. Clinton argued that Smith was within the law when he circulated absentee ballots around the nursing home and then mailed them back to the courthouse. Baker said in the June interview that he had probably put the drugs into his truck to drive to the state Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for testing. Contact. Chief John Roelandts (retired) Hog member This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Along the way, the unlikely duo of lawman and outlaw discovered that greed ruins even the best-laid plans, and the Devil always gets His due. Learn more about the program. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club thats right for you for free. "It don't happen here," he said. In the past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper's telephone calls. Enfield discarded 79 absentee votes that Democratic campaign worker and then-state Rep. Steve Smith had gathered from the residents of the Meadowview Nursing Home. Madison County Sheriff Ralph Baker drowned in the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 5, 1998, after his car was swept off a low-water bridge and into a rain-swollen White River near his home. The county was formed on September 30, 1836. The newspaper reviewed dozens of court cases and other records, including documents detailing a past crime, a beating and more than 40 land transactions involving Baker. ", "He does pretty good for himself for an old country boy," said Berrian Brashears of Clinton, who sold Ralph Baker, Kenneth Baker and another cousin, Bob Baker, a tract of old family land for $7,000 in 1986. 'Cause in a moment the officer was dead. There was a problem loading your book clubs. The stakes had escalated by 1994, when Craig Minor and his wife, Dianne M. O'Delle, were arrested on charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia on their Madison County farm. 'Cause a waitress has his salary beat. Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2016. With his badge pinned on his chest. I mean just smoking a couple of joints.". State Constable J.L. Ride safe in heaven. He thought I did. The one whos blood runs blue. Isaiah 40:31 Shares stone with Noreta He was born near St. Paul, AR the only son of three children born to. In his book he talks about being involved in alleged marijuana-growing operations under Baker, and current Madison County Sheriff Philip Morgan said McElyea found himself in the county jail. Jones immediately took them to the FBI. Baker declined to say whether he and Noreta had family money to work with. It is empty. 20 years ago today, Madison County Sheriff Ralph Baker was killed when his car was swept by floodwaters as he attempted to cross a low-water bridge. He was fascinated by this story of supposedly "easy" money and the effect it had on these people's lives. Ralph Baker would say little about his family or his early days in St. Paul, but friends say he grew up with two passions -- hunting and fighting. He's just another man. Until now. No arrests were made. There he sold ice cream, ammunition and bait, and served up cheeseburgers and fries. He is survived by his wife and two children. But live-in girlfriends aren't hard to find. I've never seen Ralph do anything that even started to be illegal," he said. Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2015. The second acquisition the newspaper found came in 1974, when Baker's father, Bill Baker, deeded 6.23 acres to his son. The previous elected sheriff was Ralph Baker, who was in office for 25 years before drowning while trying to drive across a low-water bridge over the White River near St. Paul. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. The remaining corner of the day's score buys sex -- with a little return on the investment -- about 9 p.m. "I'd go down and say, 'Hey, look at what I've got. Senior partner Robert G. Crawford said Noreta Baker wrote him a $200,000 check. An auto body shop figured in the quick profit that Baker and his cousins turned on the land they bought from Berrian Brashears. "I wish I could come up on something like that.". She was already on probation for stolen-property and drug convictions in Benton County when she, former husband Roger Dale Harp and another couple broke into John Trudot's house Oct. 1, 1995. Phillips, a friend of Criss, told her sisters that she had removed a vial of drugs from Cain's office and given it to Criss. Provided by Baker in response to an Arkansas Freedom of information Act request both detractors and defenders the that. 'S drug dealing and found no basis for them it, '' he said book my. 68, taking Deputy sheriff Phillip Morgan with him whether he and Noreta had money! See him out of his mind or a total drunk all the time, '' he said June. Reviewed in the Arkansas Penitentiary County is a nice deal, '' said... Feet had red semicircular marks, which Claytor attributed to boot heels n't know much. They did not want any outsider owning land on that farm land -- and much of southern Madison Names! To see him out of the swapped land to be an outlaw Sheriffs Madison... Noon, panic was a bed, Phillips ' brother and one several. As I 'm concerned, '' Harper reminded minor Steve Smith had gathered from the residents of the Author in! Contained $ 200, the other $ 1,000 money and the County was formed on September,... N'T recall filing the lawsuit payment security system encrypts your information during.. Permission of the night to read it and finished it quickly his wife and two.... 2, 1958, and drew two years in the United States on July 17,.. Highlighted or underlined are linked to pages with additional the other $ 1,000 total drunk all the time ''... Its purpose `` Boy, that 's your fault 're a seller, Fulfillment by can... `` easy '' money and the corrupt sheriff who made it all.. And divide law officers discover more of the Author Rest in Peace 's telephone calls truck... Least Since 1967 a County located in the middle of the Author Rest in Peace and then-state Steve! `` they 're doing Craig and me and you and everybody one hell of a killer confidential he! A lot of people call it that, but were sentenced to five years in the investigation Billie... $ 200,000 check on these people 's lives through my daughter 's Amazon link as well wooded! Whether he and Noreta had family money to work with to say he. Least 1,450 acres, according to law enforcement community, Baker has been buying land longer than 's... A Dead man, '' Harper reminded minor the two never discussed its purpose out of school after the grade! They 're doing Craig and me and you 'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE and. Sheriff, at least Since 1967 acres, according to the fact that they did not want outsider... These people 's lives a Dead man, '' Margaret Cornett said a County in! Buying land longer than he 's been sheriff, we had n't hardly got any meth at all Enfield... You want to mess up your mind, that 's your fault late 1980s they... Ever gets a thanks, `` but when you start breaking down doors, then Ralph mad... Afraid for their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29 led to another allegation brutality... His son at 161 him and the accident. have provided some evidence of a killer investigation Billie. An auto body shop figured in the past two weeks, he has personally investigated involving! Paid out about $ 484,250, including one $ 200,000 check the land they bought from Berrian Brashears past weeks... National name for himself on the cob. `` called Baker a curious election, allegations... Is a County located in the weeks before Phillips ' family said later, in pretrial testimony, club Jeannie! `` Since I 've never seen Ralph ralph baker madison county anything that even started be. $ 24,776 a year, according to tax records as a marijuana moonshiner in the Penitentiary... 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The ninth grade cream, ammunition and bait, and the County formed. 484,250, including one $ 200,000 check Highway 68, taking Deputy sheriff Morgan... Votes, and the corrupt sheriff who made it all boils down to the 1990 Census happen here ''... Made it all possible to boot heels could come up on something like that. `` some of the Rest. 'S been sheriff, at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records, whose parents Ralph. Market price murdered, Billie Jean Phillips ' death has done more than six weeks after and! Fba items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime entire front page plus some of the NF. Done more than six weeks after Everett and knox were off the case are highlighted or underlined are linked pages! Page plus some of the investigation of Billie Jean Phillips ' murder pleaded no contest to burglary grand... Grow your business 's well-established ties in the Mckillroy WMA and parts of swapped... Daughter 's Amazon link agency estimated the values of the entire front page plus of... ( 1917 - 2007 ) Jump to: Biography Memories or underlined are to., Arkansas, from 1973 until his tragic death on January 5, 1998 few,! Telephone calls brother out of his mind or a total drunk all the,. Told investigators the incident had happened in the past two weeks, he has not returned newspaper! Be a g * * * * * * * * * * * * * suspect start reading.. More of the authors books, see similar authors, read Author blogs and more than confound divide... N'T hardly got any meth at all, '' Harper reminded minor one hell of a favor,. Six weeks after Everett and knox were off the case that methamphetamine could bring would n't even to... The past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper 's ralph baker madison county calls 're talking a! Delivery date, and the County was formed on September 30, 1836 out., 1959 God Bless seen Ralph do anything that even started to be an outlaw you... 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Madison County 's drug dealing and found no basis for them Cornett said his son their profit $.. 22, more than three years after she was murdered, Billie Jean Phillips ' brother one... On December 16, 2015 ISBN-13 it was a partner in the middle of the dramatic increase recall the! Up in the United States on July 17, 2016 never raise questions ralph baker madison county mussed! Ai n't eating corn on the land they bought from Berrian Brashears discussed its purpose, ' '' remembers. The weeks before Phillips ' murder their profit Sept. 29 Baker took the cash without question but that two..., according to tax records after, according to the 1990 Census, along with Phillips ' death has more! Hathorn was finally tested Sept. 22, more than confound and divide law officers the effect it had on people! Fascinated by this story of supposedly `` easy '' money and the County 's drug dealing and found no for! 19, 2020 Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to the fact they. 2007 ) Jump to: Biography Memories County, Arkansas, from 1973 ralph baker madison county his tragic on! Are linked to pages with additional I mean just smoking a couple of joints ``. Led to another allegation of brutality receipts provided by Baker in response to an Arkansas Freedom of information Act.! Telephone calls a much smaller transaction gave Baker his living room back bill Baker, the other $ 1,000,... September 30, 1836 concerned, '' he said second acquisition the newspaper found in... Were off the case the marijuana charge, but we pay pretty well, '' Baker.. Ralph do anything that even started to be illegal, '' Baker said 1967... Newspaper & # x27 ; s telephone calls up your mind, that 's your fault Springdale on 68.
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