But he said such deals weren't unusual among attorneys, police and prosecutors in Northwest Arkansas. Something went wrong. Baker declined to say whether he and Noreta had family money to work with. Striking the officer in the chest. For at least half his life, he was known to . Most of Ralph Baker's later transactions involve the R&N Baker Trust, established, apparently in June 1988, with his wife. : When a shot rang through the night. His friends are always other cops Imagine piles of money that literally grew on trees. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. The ensuing court fight reached the Arkansas Supreme Court twice before Republicans accepted the ruling of Circuit Judge W.H. Criss has declined requests for interviews. The one whos blood runs blue. Fogley is one of the sheriff's most emphatic supporters. Baker won't talk about his land. This is his tale about life as a marijuana moonshiner in the Ozark Mountains, and the corrupt sheriff who made it all possible. by. A young Huntsville man whose criminal record includes multiple convictions for stealing shares Harp's perception of how things work. "Then Ralph will put his foot down.". In the 12 elections since, he has been opposed only five times. He said I'd be dead by September anyway.". This is Mac's story of damnation and redemption. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime. How do you keep the deputy prosecutor out of the crime scene?". Minor asked him to get involved, and that all of the dealings with Baker and deputy prosecutor Billy Allred were aboveboard. But a check of probate records in Madison County shows no evidence of an inheritance by either. But she'll have to give me half of it back.". Sheriff Ralph Francis Baker Madison County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas End of Watch Monday, January 5, 1998 Leave a Reflection Reflections for Sheriff Ralph Francis Baker May your rest in perpetual PEACE. Try again. Please try again. 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. Cain worked as both a private attorney and a public official in a fatal automobile accident involving Phillips, with whom he began a long-running affair in the early 1980s. He said I f****** owed him money, and I didn't. | The funeral procession Cain would spend $100,000 trying to clear himself. He said that Baker had not contacted him until F.M. But Baker later solicited the Democrat-Gazette's help. F.M. 'Cause a waitress has his salary beat. In the past two. Knox deleted references to confidential sources he said were afraid for their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29. Those dreams became reality for David Mac after the young man from Michigan settled in Madison County, Arkansas. , ISBN-10 Sheriff Baker had been employed with the Madison County Sheriff's Department for 27 years, 25 of which as the sheriff. But the Department's budget didn't buy To respond to calls unknown. She didn't begrudge Baker and his cousins their profit. Interviews with investigators indicate the conversation went something like this: "Billie Phillips is dead," Baker told Fogley. The newspaper examined more than 200 documents. A police officer he is known. An itemization in the auditor's working papers shows $4,511.93 was paid to confidential informants between July 14, 1995, and Oct. 23, 1996. "It became a moot point when the employee resigned.". He had been Madison County Shierff since about 1972 until his death. I hope you enjoy the book. N.Y.P.D. Baker and his partners now own at least 1,450 acres, mostly in southern Madison County, valued at $227,865, according to tax records. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. 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. Please bring me home after my shift Ralph Francis Baker. Baker acknowledged that his former son-in-law may have been on a list of suspects he sought Harp's help catching. Baker and his partners now own at least 1,450 acres, mostly in southern Madison County, valued at $227,865, according to tax records. Funeral services were held on Friday, Rest in Peace, Sheriff Baker. Six of every 10 of its adults have graduated high school. "It's tremendously lower than things closer in to Fayetteville, where I live," he said. Kenneth Baker said he and his cousin were lucky enough and resourceful enough to come up with the cash they needed. 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. Although he has been committed for drug and psychiatric treatment, he says there's no way out from the crank. Honolulu, HI 96850-0109. at solemn attention as the hearse led by law enforcement officers passed And he gets so mad at the court system One man from whom McKnight bought, Steve Hathorn, beat him over a debt from drugs and building materials a year after Phillips died. And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive Ralph don't care if you use drugs. Madison County residents could be seen with bumper stickers which said To see our price, add these items to your cart. Much of Baker's land -- and much of southern Madison County -- is heavily wooded. him". Baker. 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 | 1988/06/20. Then, in June, the Bakers sold the land back to the Cornetts -- for $15,000. Most of that land is taxed on its value for agricultural. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. Harper first told Minor that he would have to pay Baker and the DEA $15,000 to keep his son out of prison. However I loaned the copy to another retired cop and it looks like it will making the rounds for a while so I have ordered another copy for myself. Then I'd go on and after supper I'd probably halve it again and do a quarter. Police would never raise questions about the mussed bed or take the bedclothes that might have provided some evidence of a killer. Written By: ", DRUG PROSECUTIONS, COURTHOUSE DOINGS AND THE MADISON COUNTY RUMOR MILL. He thought I did. 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. But he expects to die by September. 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. ", Said Brashears of Dr. Cornett: "He wanted the land back so bad that he would have paid any price for that. Sheriff Ralph Baker drowned after his cruiser was washed into a flooded river while he was searching for a stolen vehicle. On June 13, 1987, Baker and former Huntsville Police Chief Ed Sharp arrested a 19-year-old retarded Rogers man on allegations he had stolen two baseball cards during the annual "Hawgfest" on the town square. I don't owe anything, and I haven't owed anything in years.". Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt. '", TWO LAWSUITS, HINTS OF THE HIGH LIFE AND THE SHERIFF. "I've worked with Ralph Baker 21 years. Brashears said he attended school with Ralph Baker and has known him for decades. One of those involved Craig Minor. Cain was the last of the three to arrive, and he got there at least 10 minutes before Deputy Danny Livermore entered Phillips' blood-spattered bedroom to find the body of the pretty, 35-year-old Alabam woman lying against a wall. : Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records. But the statistics may deceive. Baker pleaded no contest to burglary and grand larceny charges on April 2, 1958, and drew two years in the Arkansas Penitentiary. "She'd get us stickers for your license plates. Everett and Knox asked that Hathorn be required to undergo DNA testing, a request they say brought their feud with Baker to a head. Call 833-937-2724 "Boy, that sure is a nice deal," said Dr. Martin, told of the dramatic increase. In his own testimony, Baker acknowledged that his daughter had lied during her deposition when she denied ever smoking marijuana. . 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. The population of Madison County is 16,521 (2020 Census). He says Baker has told him the rules. January 9,1998, at the St. Paul High School Gymnasium with a crowd estimated Absent proof of the drug allegations, he said, there were insufficient grounds to bring criminal charges. It's kind of scary. 1999-2001 by Joy Russell. Baker was driving a lumber truck and working as a bouncer at the Red Fox Lounge in Springdale when former Sheriff Fred Crumbley made him a deputy in 1971. That's no way for a sheriff to be acting," Johnson said he told Baker. I knew Sheriff Baker and had a great deal of respect for him . Now, Baker and the state police are back in charge. Speaking through a local drug user, she said Baker told her not to talk to the Democrat-Gazette a few days after reporters first questioned him about the investigation. He dropped out of school after the ninth grade. A CAUTIONARY TALE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE "LAW" AND THE "OUTLAWS" COMBINE FORCES, Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2016. INSCRIPTION: (Shierff badge with Ralph Baker Shierff Madison County) married March 3, 1956 (on back) They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles. Madison County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas. 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. 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. It all boils down to the fact that they did not want any outsider owning land on that farm. They would miss a black case partially hidden beneath Phillips' antique dresser. "He doesn't like that.". The R&N Baker Trust bought 744 acres in the St. Paul area from a general partnership, Crawford Brothers, in November 1995. "I hope he appreciates it and takes advantage of it.". : It's a story about drugs and arson, murder and suicide, friendship and betrayal. Her skull had been fractured with her son's T-ball bat, which lay by the bed, splintered. But, in pretrial testimony, club owner Jeannie Ward cited three separate incidents involving Baker that night. Ralph Kendrick Baker - beloved doctor, husband, father, and grandfather - died on Friday, January 29, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, WI, after a short spell of pneumonia. I think we're all pretty sure. I knew he bought land. Marshals Service in Fayetteville, also declined to talk about the case. 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. But Leathers said Baker was in charge. 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. God Bless! Ralph A. Baker Birth 17 Aug 1908 Death 6 Jan 1978 (aged 69) Burial. 1973 - 1998. MICHAEL WHITELEY Ralph Baker had served as Sheriff of Madison County, Arkansas, from 1973 until his tragic death on January 5, 1998. It would bring far more than its tax value on the market. Franklin Lakes NJ 07417. Kenneth Baker later sold his share to Ralph and Noreta for $10,000, and the Bakers sold the land to Casondra LeMay of Kansas City, Mo., for $20,000 in 1989. Berea Cemetery. The timber there was harvested 20 years ago. Minor said Baker took the cash without question but that the two never discussed its purpose. Although Ralph's brilliant mind was compromised by dementia, his instincts remained keen. He isn't afraid of being arrested by the sheriff. Neither she nor Brashears knew who wanted the land for the shop. However, revenue stamps on the sale of the remaining 80 acres to Dr. F. Allan Martin and Debbie Martin of Fayetteville indicate the Bakers and Hams got $39,000 -- a 628 percent increase in the per-acre price. "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.". There, Baker handcuffed Bingham to a prisoner's retaining ring in the lobby. The Brashears couple sold the tract to the three Bakers for $7,000 in February 1986. In the past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper's telephone calls. "Homebodies don't get in much trouble unless you're kicking down doors," the man said. they don't exist". There he sold ice cream, ammunition and bait, and served up cheeseburgers and fries. Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits: Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now. Until now. U.S. Baker and his wife, sometimes in partnership with other family members, have bought or traded for at least 2,300 acres in Madison, Washington and Franklin counties. But it is also cooked around the knobby hills of Madison and Newton counties, say the people who sell it. 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. During a lawsuit filed by Baker and his daughter against the driver of the other vehicle, Rodney Nelson, Harp testified that the sheriff's glove compartment contained marijuana, pills and white powder she believed to be cocaine in bags marked "Property of Madison County. Crawford said the tract contains some bottom land that had been farmed, but that it is mostly mountain, suitable only for hunting. The Bakers, owners of adjoining land, were two of the defendants, although the case file contains no indication that they or anyone else contested Wheeler's claim. Along with his wife, Noreta, and Kenneth Baker, the sheriff signed a mortgage in 1980 for $8,000, secured by 68 acres of land the two cousins had just acquired for $17,000. If I got an ounce right now, I'd probably do half of it right away and put the rest up until this afternoon. I was actually born in Huntsville, Arkansas, the County Seat of Madison County. I never bought from her," said one convicted drug dealer, adding that Criss provided a valuable service for the county's outlaws, who didn't have insurance. "All I do all day is sit around this house and wait for them to come," he says. Madison County records show the money was paid to the county's Drug Eradication Fund, $7,500 credited to Craig, $2,500 to his wife. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Clients receive knowledgeable guidance from experienced, multi-disciplined industry and client service teams, all seamlessly connected across 22 offices in Alabama, Florida . And it has spurred some of the county's most industrious methamphetamine dealers to claim openly that they can operate unchecked as long as they don't steal to support their habits. ", And in the Sept. 4 edition of The Madison County Record, Baker posed with a gram-sized mound of sugar substitute and told the newspaper: "There is a certain circle of people using the drug. State Constable J.L. But a friend and fellow law enforcement officer said Baker lost the case because of his choice of clothing. Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2020. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. They have paid out about $484,250, including one $200,000 purchase. 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. Former Massachusetts Gov. If they wanted to sell something, we managed to come up with the money for it.". Ralph Francis Baker Madison County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas End of Watch: Monday, January 5, 1998 Sheriff Ralph Baker drowned after his cruiser was washed into a flooded river while he was searching for a stolen vehicle. Residents say it was a haven for bank robbers and other outlaws in the 1920s. 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. He said one envelope contained $200, the other $1,000. I've never been satisfied doing that, and I'm reasonably sure Ralph hasn't either. A 1958 envelope that once held the details of two felonies still sits in the vault of the old courthouse in neighboring Washington County. asked Fogley, not recognizing the name of a woman he knew better as Billie Jean McKnight. He said he wasn't aware of any reason for the price to increase so much. 185 "I was police commissioner here for four years," he said last month in Olney, Ill. "I kind of found out how you do things.". "But I have no idea how he obtained [all] the land. I was pleased to discover that the New York Times rightly devoted as much space to a recent obituary for my local baker . Contact. Fayetteville lawyer Terry Harper had handled some of his son's previous run-ins with the law. Most importantly, this book reveals one of Arkansas' darkest secrets, and demystifies one of its greatest legends. Otherwise, he has paid cash. I didn't pursue it.". Johnson said Corkern invited him outside, then grabbed him at the front door of the club. County residents with a great sense of loss. He was attempting to cross a low water bridge which was covered with water. On May 16, 1986, Baker and Treat arrested Minor and Jerry Samuelson with 75 marijuana plants in the back of their pickup. Today, his presence continues to be felt across the county. During his terms of office, In the words of one person who viewed a videotape of the crime scene made at 4:30 that afternoon, the bed appeared to have been "wallered in." The same day, she and her husband sold it to the Bakers, again for $6,000. Whenever I read this kind of sad story, I'm reminded of the late Ralph Baker, the controversial sheriff of Madison County for many years who was found dead inside his car in January of 1998 after it reportedly washed off a low-water bridge over the White River in rural Madison County. ", BARE KNUCKLES, A DEFERRED SENTENCE AND QUESTIONS ABOUT AN ELECTION. 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. Most of the entire front page plus some of the other pages was dedicated to him and the accident.) Baker now declines to discuss the Bingham case. Bingham's parents picked him up and drove him to the emergency room at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers. Minor, says he twice left envelopes with money on Baker's desk. It's one of the last places where you can get a little privacy.". And each day when he leaves for work, What emerges is a tale of methamphetamine and murder in a place known to its residents as "Booger County.". He ended the June interview when the subject came up. During a four-day legal fight over Knox's notes, the former FBI agent alleged that Jones had told him not to investigate allegations of corruption against a "local law enforcement official," and not to take his evidence to the FBI. Testimony showed that, in one precinct, 140 people signed in to vote, and 155 cast ballots. Rusty could be a g******** suspect. : He isn't married. .you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. (Note: Your comments may be used in an upcoming article about the 20-year anniversary.) Noreta Mae Burrell's family was from Benton County. He's alone down this ole' highway. . He peeks out the window at each passing car. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Someone recommended this book to my husband and he couldn't wait to start reading it. ", Although Baker's daughter denied it, Harp said the two girls and Judy Maggard, Harp's sister, had smoked two joints and got "higher than I usually get off just pot. Washington State Department of Corrections, Dallas County Sheriff's Department, Texas, 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, Reflections Terms of Use (revised 5/31/2012), View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past. Washington State Department of Corrections, WA. You didn't want to be on his bad side !!!! Historians put Madison County's official age at 161. "I sold to her. Neither has Minor. The man "had a brother out of his mind or a total drunk all the time," Enfield said.