A Marion County man, 60-year-old Lee L. Gibson of Flippin, charged with the felony offense of distributing, possessing or viewing of matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child has had his ankle monitor restriction removed.
While Gibson is a physician, he was not practicing in the Twin Lakes Area at the time of his arrest in February. Shortly after his arrest, his medical license was suspended by the Arkansas State Medical Board.
Gibson was booked into the Marion County Detention Center in early February and released later the same day after posting a $50,000 cash bond. He was ordered to wear an ankle monitor as part of the conditions for bond.
Gibson was back in Marion County Circuit Court last week before Circuit Judge John Putman where the ankle monitor restriction was removed.
Fourteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge told KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot news he met with Judge Putman and Gibson’s attorney, Paul Bayless, and agreed for the change in the bond conditions. Ethredge says Gibson is not considered the flight risk he was believed to be at the time of his arrest, noting he has surrendered his passport to authorities. All other conditions of Gibson’s bond remain in place.
Known details on Gibson’s case are limited. In an unusual move, Circuit Judge Gordon Webb sealed the probable cause affidavit and case information at Ethredge’s request the day before Gibson was taken into custody.
The Order to Seal Affidavit and Information document indicates the record was sealed on the grounds that if released to the public, it could compromise an ongoing investigation. In addition, the release of said information is sensitive, and it is necessary to withhold this information for a short time to ensure the investigations are not impaired.
Gibson entered a not guilty plea to the felony charge in Baxter County Circuit Court in mid February via Skype from the Marion County Detention Center. Online records indicate he has until July 18th to enter a final appeal, with a jury trial, if needed, scheduled for August 30th.
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