Bobby Joe Gray

     On Thursday, September 8, 2022 at approximately 4:00 PM, Baxter County Sheriff's Investigators were summoned to a private residence at 5300 State Hwy 126 near Midway by Parole Officers with Arkansas Community Corrections (AAC) to assist with a home visit of one of their parolees, 34 year old BOBBY JOE GRAY. 

     It was reported that GRAY was refusing to open the door for the Parole Officers.  After Sheriff's Investigators arrived to assist, verbal contact was made with GRAY.  He eventually ran out of the back door of the residence, but was quickly apprehended by officers.

     A search of the residence uncovered a very large quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as various articles of drug paraphernalia and a handgun.  Officers seized approximately 10.7 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 17.6 pounds of marijuana, approximately 1 gram of fentanyl, and approximately 100 THC concentrated vape cartridges, all of which were taken into evidence.  The seized drugs have an approximately street value of $586,000.  In addition, officers seized $5,020.00 in cash, a transaction ledger, scales, and a Glock Model 19 handgun.  Officers also seized two 4 x 4 motor vehicles belonging to GRAY, for which forfeiture paperwork will be filed with the court. 

     Available documentation indicates that BOBBY GRAY was incarcerated in the Arkansas Department of Corrections in May, 2017 on felony convictions for drug offenses in Independence County and Jackson County.  GRAY was later allowed to participate in the re-entry program that is set up in Flippin, Arkansas.  BOBBY GRAY was granted parole from the Arkansas Department of Corrections in May, 2022 and transferred to the supervision of AAC.

     BOBBY GRAY was subsequently transported to the Baxter County Detention Center where he has been booked on charges of:

Trafficking a Controlled Substance - Felony
Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms - Felony
Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose of Delivery - Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts) - Felonies
Habitual Criminal Act - Penalty Enhancement

     GRAY remains incarcerated in lieu of $500,000 bond on the new charges, and is being held without bond for the parole violation.  He will appear before the Baxter County Circuit Court to answer on September 19th.

     Agencies participating in the arrest and search were the Baxter County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas Community Corrections, and the 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff