View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard
In a decision not seen in almost two decades, Clark County Circuit Judge Blake Batson has signed an order mandating a bonding company to cover the $100,000 bond for a suspect who fled the area.
On May 5, 2021, Christopher Elliott, aged 37, was apprehended on Interstate 30 by Arkansas State Trooper Cpl. Tim Callison after the officer observed him tailgating another car. Upon questioning Elliott, the trooper noticed a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed multiple baggies of marijuana, a brick of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl, and a loaded Glock pistol with 23 rounds. Additionally, authorities found more marijuana baggies, six cell phones, and five bundles of cash totaling $4,960, which was later seized as proceeds from drug activities.
Elliott faced arrest for Trafficking a Controlled Substance and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, both classified as Class Y Felonies, which could result in a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years or even life. Additionally, he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, classified as a Class B Felony, Theft by Receiving, which is a Class D Felony, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, also a Class B Felony, and Unauthorized Use of Another Individual’s Property to Aid in Certain Crimes, another Class B Felony.
Elliott entered into an agreement with First Arkansas Bail Bonds for a bond amounting to $100,000, but since then, he has not appeared in court.
Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner informed the newspaper that there were indications the suspect was previously in Las Vegas, Nevada. He mentioned that the bonding company has made attempts to locate the individual but without success. Turner highlighted that any costs the company incurs in their search for the suspect will be deducted from the bond amount that is owed to the county.
The prosecutor said the last time a bond was revoked was in the case of Wayne Poland, a doctor who had been charged with the rape of two children along with the victims’ mother. Poland, who was later recaptured and convicted, was arrested in 2003 and failed to appear in 2004. That bond also belonged to First Arkansas Bail Bonds, Turner stated.
Explore additional insights from
Sign up to receive the newest updates directly in your inbox.
