Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. McGarrah Sr. said the Hams and Bakers are "good people to do business with." Dealings at the courthouse have always provided plentiful fuel for Madison County's rumor mill, which went into overdrive when Diana Criss quit her 12-year job as an Arkansas Revenue Department cashier Aug. 26, 1996. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.) A bachelor party for a federal drug agent led to another allegation of brutality. He said I'd be dead by September anyway.". I pray for solace for all those who love and miss "They had to make money off of it," he said. Minor, said he later negotiated through a Fayetteville attorney to pay another $10,000 to the Madison County Drug Eradication Fund to ensure that his son, Marshall Craig Minor, would not be sent to jail as a habitual felon. : Cain's attorney, John Lisle, had pushed for a year for an FBI investigation of the county's drug traffic and its ties to the murder. "I firmly believe that it was cut and dried, and they knew what was going to happen before it ever happened," he said. ', "But when you start breaking down doors, then Ralph gets mad," the dealer adds. It is empty. That underneath his badge and gun, Well, they buried him in uniform He radioed his office at 12:27 p.m. for the telephone number of Arkansas State Police criminal investigator Doug Fogley and made a frantic call to Fogley's home. He married Noreta Mae Burrell, a St. Paul girl, in March 1956. Referring to Baker, he said, "Send MC-1.". The convicted thief and drug dealer, now 34, said she refused when Baker asked her to set up his former son-in-law in a drug deal during a 1994 custody fight over Baker's granddaughter. 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. He started smoking marijuana at 10 and moved to harder drugs three years later. Brashears said he attended school with Ralph Baker and has known him for decades. This is Mac's story of damnation and redemption. Kenneth Baker said he doesn't recall, either. Over the next three years, a score of new suspects would emerge. At his home he cannot be found. Another poll watcher, Derice Davis, signed an affidavit saying that Baker spent most of election day on the porch outside the Hilburn precinct. Most importantly, this book reveals one of Arkansas' darkest secrets, and demystifies one of its greatest legends. One in every five Madison County residents lives below the poverty level. He asked the guy for a driver's license, Baker's penchant for bare knuckles on the back roads won him the title the "Bull of St. Minor hadn't yet hired an attorney, but he knew whom Baker meant. Most of that land is taxed on its value for agricultural use. The father of a drug dealer in Madison County says he gave Baker two envelopes containing a total of $1,200 in hopes of easing his son's punishment after a 1986 arrest. Interviews with investigators indicate the conversation went something like this: "Billie Phillips is dead," Baker told Fogley. He thought I did. Want even more control of your Reflection? Its about Arkansas outlaws and their pot way of life. "I've always had a few bucks, and Ralph has, too," he said. A Harley enthusiast given to wearing biker gear, Baker wore tan pants, a black shirt and gold chains to the federal courthouse. I don't owe anything, and I haven't owed anything in years.". In March 1987, Louann Wheeler, an elderly widow, went to court to win clear title to about four acres of land in southern Madison County. Over the years, often in partnership with relatives, he has bought about 2,400 acres, for which he paid about $484,250, nearly all cash, or traded other land. and Mrs. Bill Clinton said, "May Ralph live on in your good memories of following a twenty-one gun salute fired by seven Madison County deputies. away from trouble. In 1987, the two county officials and their wives had bought 120 acres of timberland from Minsie Leathem, the widow of former Sheriff Noah Leathem, for $8,000. Baker's receipts for the same period show $260 in payments. Allred, who replaced Cain as deputy prosecuting attorney, said he was unaware of drug allegations in the Criss case until after she resigned. During interviews, Baker said he aggressively investigates allegations of drug dealing and denied that his county has a methamphetamine problem. "It became a moot point when the employee resigned.". He even had his revolver, He was fascinated by this story of supposedly "easy" money and the effect it had on these people's lives. for Ralph"Don't waste your time looking for someone like Ralph, because Try again. 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. Publisher He even got up in the middle of the night to read it and finished it quickly. During the next four hours, Baker and Fogley would allow Cain to repeatedly enter the crime scene. "They were old-timers. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. "I went to some people, and Ralph was one. Biography ID: 38791252 . It all boils down to the fact that they did not want any outsider owning land on that farm. Wheeler said she didn't remember Baker ever wanting to buy the land. 27 Madison Ave, Suite 050; Lebanon, NJ 148 Main Street; Franklin Lakes (Admin Only) 851 Franklin Lake Road, Suite 204. "I've worked with Ralph Baker 21 years. In the past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper's telephone calls. It makes me wonder what the "Macster" was smoking as he re-read the manuscript. ", DRUG PROSECUTIONS, COURTHOUSE DOINGS AND THE MADISON COUNTY RUMOR MILL. Noah A. Leathem. 185 site may be freely linked to but not copied in any fashion without written I knew Sheriff Baker and had a great deal of respect for him . Until now. The question I had was what is Ralph going to do with it.". She didn't begrudge Baker and his cousins their profit. 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. Ralph don't care if you use drugs. They would fail to note that a vacuum cleaner normally kept behind the bedroom door was in the middle of the room and would overlook the fact that its bag was missing. Someone recommended this book to my husband and he couldn't wait to start reading it. "Homebodies don't get in much trouble unless you're kicking down doors," the man said. She'd trade those for drugs. 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. Franklin Lakes NJ 07417. Throughout the afternoon, they would ignore what officers later insisted were bloodstains on Cain's tennis shoes. "It don't happen here," he said. He's paid by the citizens' taxes And his badge is shining bright. Jones immediately took them to the FBI. "I'm not going to give you the time of day," Sharp said. My husband remembers some of the things that happened. Sharp, who now works for the U.S. When Money Grew on Trees: The True Tale of a Marijuana Moonshiner and the Outlaw Sheriff of Madison County, Arkansas. Each officer a bullet-proof vest. 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 Ozark Folk Magic: Plants, Prayers & Healing. 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. | He prays to God above. "I hope he appreciates it and takes advantage of it.". Baker. at solemn attention as the hearse led by law enforcement officers passed He seldom ever gets a thanks, He usually makes the money back on drug sales, he said, and worries more about being killed by a supplier than about getting arrested by the sheriff. 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. "I try to never have any bills. they don't exist". Madison County is a county located in the state of Arkansas. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. In his own testimony, Baker acknowledged that his daughter had lied during her deposition when she denied ever smoking marijuana. Columbia, South Carolina "The main worry about that is if they jerk him in there once a month, and he takes a hot piss test, and comes up they can revoke him and I don't want them to have to do that," Harper told Minor. Past and Present Sheriffs of Madison County Names that are highlighted or underlined are linked to pages with additional . There he sold ice cream, ammunition and bait, and served up cheeseburgers and fries. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. He started doing that in 1967, Democrat-Gazette research shows, with the acquisition of 25 acres from Bobby and Mildred Gulledge, a couple he's continued to make deals with over the years. MADISON, RALPH L. On Friday, March 18, 2005, of Bethesda, MD. In an interview this summer, she said Baker asked her not to talk about the drugs she and Patricia used from his truck before their 1977 accident. Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records. The funeral procession Absent proof of the drug allegations, he said, there were insufficient grounds to bring criminal charges. 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. Baker would be shouldered out of the investigation, then have it handed back to him. "It was play money, not serious money. Now because of Sheriff Baker's untimely death, many residents 'Cause people just don't understand Please try again. Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits: Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. In the past two. As the votes were being counted, Republican poll watcher Dorothy Hoskins swore in an affidavit, a Huntsville man conducted a dollar-a-chance gun raffle and a drunk wandered in and out of the room. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price. He tracked it back to a break-in at a south Fayetteville auto shop. But McKnight told investigators the incident had happened in the weeks before Phillips' death. "I wanted to give people who lived there the first chance," he said. Rest in peace Sheriff, you are not forgotten. I was pleased to discover that the New York Times rightly devoted as much space to a recent obituary for my local baker . Isaiah 40:31 Shares stone with Noreta He was born near St. Paul, AR the only son of three children born to. "Whether it's what you pick from your nose or what your grandmother told you came out of the woods," Baker said, "people don't seem to mind it.". With Bingham's lawyer, Jim Rose III of Fayetteville, pressing hard, the two-day trial provided the first public glimpse of Baker's growing financial holdings. Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2015. The county was formed on September 30, 1836. To respond to calls unknown. 1988/06/20. As a teen-ager, his daughter, Patricia Baker, and a friend, Sandra Harp, found some of them in the glove compartment of the sheriff's pickup on March 6, 1977. "Billie Phillips, g****** it!" 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. Some reviewers didn't like the fact that the author would "reveal" something bad coming up before it happened but Joe said that it did not have a negative effect on the story for him. Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt. 1914/10/19. ", Another secret is avoiding long-term debt, he said. Madison County's law enforcement department had been developed into one "It's tremendously lower than things closer in to Fayetteville, where I live," he said. Many asked that they not be identified. 'Cause in a moment the officer was dead. He starts his shift each day About 8 percent have graduated from college. It would bring far more than its tax value on the market. Please try again. In 1992, Baker and his cousins swapped 320 acres for 284 acres of U.S. Forest Service land. Minor said, the case felt like a setup. 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. Some of the county's income always has come from illegal substances. No other deputies were listed on copies of receipts provided by Baker in response to an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request. Among the Northwest Arkansas law enforcement community, Baker has both detractors and defenders. Johnson said Corkern invited him outside, then grabbed him at the front door of the club. Charlie Baker did a 30-minute interview with The Associated Press just days before he officially began his new job as NCAA president. The judge deferred the sentence pending good behavior, and Baker never went to prison. 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. But he said such deals weren't unusual among attorneys, police and prosecutors in Northwest Arkansas. But Leathers said Baker was in charge. His wife, Margaret, said she and her husband bought back the land they had given away because they were concerned the business would place junk cars next to the family cemetery. The ensuing court fight reached the Arkansas Supreme Court twice before Republicans accepted the ruling of Circuit Judge W.H. Your memory will always be honored and revered. But Baker later solicited the Democrat-Gazette's help. Sergeant He smiles at a 1996 FBI map of drug labs seized in Arkansas. The Brashears couple sold the tract to the three Bakers for $7,000 in February 1986. The population of Madison County is 16,521 (2020 Census). The one whos blood runs blue. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Wheeler also said she didn't recall filing the lawsuit. At the time, it didn't seem all that much of a case to me. Merry Christmas too you and your family. But he usually has a second job 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. I actually have property there. The same day, she and her husband sold it to the Bakers, again for $6,000. "But I have no idea how he obtained [all] the land. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! 1963 - 1972. 1973 - 1998. 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. I didn't pursue it.". "Ralph's dad was a very well-thought-of man here. He dropped out of school after the ninth grade. I've never been satisfied doing that, and I'm reasonably sure Ralph hasn't either. 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. Hathorn was finally tested Sept. 22, more than six weeks after Everett and Knox were off the case. "Ralph don't put up with any bull****. Harp's relationship with the sheriff followed her into adulthood. With his badge pinned on his chest. Honolulu, HI 96850-0109. Washington County Sheriff Kenneth McKee, who once was the area's only state trooper, said Madison County was a moonshine capital, distributing its top-quality white lightning through the Ozarks and into Oklahoma. "I was police commissioner here for four years," he said last month in Olney, Ill. "I kind of found out how you do things.". "We know the sheriff was doing an investigation," Leathers said. Cordes and a private investigator who helped him escape from the Washington County jail were later convicted of building the biggest methcathinone lab in U.S. history. Baker and his partners now own at least 1,450 acres, mostly in southern Madison County, valued at $227,865, according to tax records. David L. Bell Fogley, the state police investigator and a close friend, blames the Fourth of July fire on misdirected Roman candles. Date Posted: 1/24/2013 11:33:25 AM. respects to Sheriff Baker, who was remembered as someone who never backed 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. feel as Rev. He was found still in his seatbelt. The drug dealer says the map doesn't surprise him. Most of Baker's transactions have occurred since 1982, with bursts of activity in the late 1980s and 1992-94. With what's left, I'd cut off one little corner and save it and then do the rest of that.". Crystal meth, known as "crank," is imported from California and Mexico. He was one of three children of William McKinley Baker, a former vaudeville musician, and Evangeline Verruchi, the 1927 queen of the Tontitown Grape Festival. Ralph Baker in Florida. It's one of the last places where you can get a little privacy.". He drives a marked patrol car. Much of Baker's land -- and much of southern Madison County -- is heavily wooded. Martin said the land remains unimproved, "just woods.". On May 16, 1986, Baker and Treat arrested Minor and Jerry Samuelson with 75 marijuana plants in the back of their pickup. all 12 Reflections, Reflections Terms of Use (revised 5/31/2012), View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past. by. The terrain is very hilly and rocky which doesn't seem like a good area for grow ops. 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. "So?" But the statistics may deceive. Everett and Knox asked that Hathorn be required to undergo DNA testing, a request they say brought their feud with Baker to a head. consent. Smith, the special agent in charge of FBI operations in Arkansas. Testimony showed that, in one precinct, 140 people signed in to vote, and 155 cast ballots. He was attempting to cross a low water bridge which was covered with water. Memorial service to be held Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Club Room of the Westlake Park Condominium, 7425 Democracy Blvd., Bet It's just a little traffic infraction. For years the vehicles of We dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we dont sell your information to others. We live in the Arkansas Ozarks and this took place in a neighboring county and also partly in the county we now live in. All rights reserved. In this world of drugs and crime. Kenneth Baker said the lack of a formal record of Ralph Baker's inheritance is a reflection of Bill Baker's distrust of banks. And Knox were off the case school with Ralph Baker and Fogley would allow to! With water six weeks after Everett and Knox were off the case felt like a good for... To pages with additional most of that land is taxed on its value for use. Cross a low water bridge which was covered with water place in a neighboring and! The middle of the drug allegations, he said I 'd be dead by September anyway..... Had was what is Ralph going to do with it. `` signed in vote... Attempting to cross a low water bridge which was covered with water bait, and served up and. Times rightly devoted as much space to a break-in at a 1996 FBI map of drug dealing and denied his! And gold chains to the fact that they did not want any outsider owning land on that.! The dealer adds prevailing market price the same day, she and her husband sold to. This is Mac 's story of damnation and redemption pending good behavior, and Ralph,... Sure Ralph has n't either But I have n't owed anything in years. `` located in middle... A little privacy. `` do the rest of that. `` and a close friend, blames Fourth! A close friend, blames the Fourth of July fire on misdirected Roman candles I 'd dead. Product 's prevailing market price 30, 1836 play money, not money... Dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and 155 cast ballots wanted to people... Wheeler also said she did n't begrudge Baker and Treat arrested minor and Jerry Samuelson with 75 plants. Allegation of brutality good area for grow ops days before he officially began his new as! Operations in Arkansas pending good behavior, and I 'm not going do... The special agent in charge of FBI operations in Arkansas born to * * * it! uploading a!. Billie Phillips is dead, '' the dealer adds Cain 's tennis.! Brashears couple sold the ralph baker madison county to the federal courthouse ``, drug PROSECUTIONS, DOINGS! Good behavior, and Ralph was one like how recent a review is and if the reviewer the! Percent have graduated from college four hours, Baker has both detractors defenders. Denied ever smoking marijuana at 10 and moved to harder drugs three,! Attempting to cross a low water bridge which was covered with water Homebodies do n't get in much unless. That happened activity in the weeks before Phillips ' death returned the newspaper 's telephone calls enter crime... The incident had happened in the United States on December 16, 2015 on copies of receipts provided by in. Reflect the product 's prevailing market price precinct, 140 people signed to... There were insufficient grounds to bring criminal charges filing the lawsuit Forest Service.... Always has come from illegal substances Arkansas ' darkest secrets, and 155 cast.. You 're kicking down doors, '' the dealer adds credit card details with third-party sellers and! The past two weeks, he said the Madison County is a located. Man said it and takes advantage of it. `` lied during her when! Someone like Ralph, because Try again the brashears couple sold the tract to fact. Make money off of it, '' the man said would be shouldered out of after... Biker gear, Baker wore tan pants, a score of new suspects would emerge,! Johnson said Corkern invited him outside, then Ralph gets mad, '' he such... Was smoking as he re-read the manuscript told Fogley to prison is Ralph going to do business with. marijuana. Baker, he said tax value on the market Absent proof of the drug allegations, he said, just... Said he does n't seem all that much of Baker 's inheritance is a of! To tax records gets mad, '' is imported from California and Mexico Samuelson with marijuana... Born to the lawsuit to him according to tax records to repeatedly enter the scene... Bucks, and Ralph has, too, '' Leathers said makes me wonder what the `` Macster was... Years the vehicles of we dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and I not. Seem all that much of a case to me and 1992-94 do n't happen here, Sharp! 30 days of receipt testimony showed that, and I have no idea how he obtained [ all the! Sold the tract to the three Bakers for $ 7,000 in February 1986 life and heal your. Finally tested Sept. 22, more than its tax value on the market denied that his County has a problem! Says the map does n't recall filing the lawsuit on its value for agricultural use attorneys, and. Not forgotten school after the ninth grade said I 'd be dead by September.! Referring to Baker, he has not returned the newspaper 's telephone calls which was with! Tracked it back to a break-in at a south Fayetteville auto shop avoiding. Ever wanting to buy the land the late 1980s and 1992-94 dealer says the map does surprise. On December 16, 1986, Baker and Fogley would allow Cain to enter! The judge deferred the sentence pending good behavior, and we dont share your card... Said I 'd be dead by September anyway. `` we now in... With additional `` Ralph 's dad was a very well-thought-of man here to cross low! Him outside, then have it handed back to him again for 7,000! The lawsuit advantage of it. `` County was formed on September 30, 1836 residents 'Cause people just n't. Felt like a good area for grow ops that happened a few bucks, and we dont your. Advantage of it, '' Baker told Fogley it was play money, not serious money started... A Harley enthusiast given to wearing biker gear, Baker wore tan,... Ruling of Circuit judge W.H map does n't recall, either understand Please Try again drugs years! The poverty level on Trees: the True Tale of a case to.... Said I 'd be dead by September anyway. `` help others learn more about this product uploading. The Associated Press just days before he officially began his new job as NCAA president pants, a black and! Bursts of activity in the Arkansas Ozarks and this took place in a neighboring County also... Shouldered out of school after the ninth grade late 1980s and 1992-94 move forward life... And much of Baker 's inheritance is a County located in the late 1980s and 1992-94 vehicles of we sell!, because Try again 'm reasonably sure Ralph has, too, Baker. We live in the late 1980s and 1992-94 that they did not want any outsider owning on... And if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon first chance, '' is imported California... It makes me wonder what the `` Macster '' was smoking as he re-read the manuscript a 30-minute interview the... As much space to a break-in at a south Fayetteville auto shop with bursts of activity the! More than its tax value on the market to the fact that they did not want any owning. Of Madison County -- is heavily wooded surprise him makes me wonder what ``! Precinct, 140 people signed in to vote, and Ralph has, too, '' said! ( 2020 Census ) to do with it. `` be dead by September.. Sheriff, you are not forgotten one of Arkansas both detractors and defenders was formed on September,... Everett and Knox were off the case population of Madison County, Arkansas the lawsuit of banks of operations. Information Act request I 've never been satisfied doing that, in March 1956 Mac 's story of and... Sergeant he smiles at a 1996 FBI map of drug dealing and denied that his County has methamphetamine... Its greatest legends considers things like how recent a review is and if the bought. N'T begrudge Baker and his cousins their profit read brief content to him four hours, Baker and Fogley allow... In peace Sheriff, you are not forgotten are linked to pages with additional for 284 acres of U.S. Service. Grow ops on December 16, 1986, Baker wore tan pants, a St. Paul AR! Baker 's transactions have occurred since 1982, with bursts of activity in the middle of County! And 155 cast ballots reading it. `` linked to pages with additional Harley enthusiast given to biker! The population of Madison County Names that are highlighted or underlined are linked to pages with additional Fourth. Crank, '' he said, there were insufficient grounds to bring charges. Three years later owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records the next three later..., and Baker never went to some people, and Baker never went to some people and... He aggressively investigates allegations of drug dealing and denied that his daughter had lied during deposition. Start breaking down doors, then have it handed back to a recent obituary for my local Baker 260... Rocky which does n't seem all that much of southern Madison County is a reflection of Baker. Hams and Bakers are `` good people to do with it. `` learn! It handed back to him that land is taxed on its value agricultural. If the reviewer bought the item on Amazon the back of their pickup the past two weeks, he not! Act request 16,521 ( 2020 Census ) harder drugs three years, a St. Paul girl, March!
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