Baker posts bond; more drug arrests made

BERRYVILLE -- Attorney Cindy Baker, booked into jail last Friday on multiple felony drug charges after she allegedly sold meth to a confidential informant, was one of several people arrested in what authorities say is an ongoing investigation into the county drug world.

She was released from jail late Monday after posting a $50,000 bond that was reduced from $100,000, reportedly on the condition that she immediately enter a drug rehab program. According to authorities, her attorney Jeff Rosenzweig of Little Rock transported her to a Tennessee facility. She is scheduled to make her first court appearance Nov. 23.

Investigator J.J. Reddick, with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, said their ongoing investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

He said the confidential informant who purchased meth from Baker was one of several used during the 10 month investigation. He said the investigation also included the efforts of Green Forest Police Chief John Bailey and his department.

"It's a joint task force between the Sheriff's Office and the Green Forest Police Department," Reddick said.

Besides the arrest of Baker, 24 year-old Mynor Jim Aleman-Gonzalez of Green Forest was arrested as well, and faces multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance (meth) for allegedly selling meth to a confidential informant.

Also caught during the investigation was James Robert Bell, 61, of Green Forest, who, according to an affidavit of probable cause, sold approximately 20 Xanex to an confidential informant at a Green Forest residence.

Also arrested was an 18 year-old Green Forest youth, Klisman Adiel Juarez-Perez, who was reportedly with Aleman-Gonzalez during a drug deal.

Juarez-Perez was initially booked into jail on a delivery of meth charge but was later released by the prosecutor, said Reddick.

He said the task force investigation will continue and authorities are focusing on "any and all drugs," including prescription medicines, marijuana, and meth.

Baker, when she appears for her first court date, will be facing the following charges: delivery of a controlled substance (meth), conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance near certain facilities (Berryville High School), possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and simultaneous possession of drug and firearm.