Larry E. Bell, who lists an address in Yellville, was sentenced to five years in prison, with three to serve and two suspended during a session of Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday.It has taken several months to formally sentence the 54-year-old Bell because of problems encountered by the legal system outside his control.
After the sentencing, Bell’s lawyer, Mark Cooper, asked Judge Gordon Webb to allow the Yellville man to remain free until bed space opens in the overcrowded state prison system. It is now taking six to nine months for prisoners on the waiting list in Baxter County to be transferred to the Department of Correction.
Cooper said Bell had been awaiting formal sentencing since May and had ample opportunity to run. Cooper said, instead, his client had made all of his court appearances as ordered.
Judge Webb denied the request. He said while there were good reasons to allow Bell to remain free pending the opening of prison bed space, he had been “burned” several times in the past when people had abused the privilege.
Bell was not happy with the decision. He asked Judge Webb if his showing up for all his court appearances while waiting to be sentenced meant nothing. He said he thought the judge’s decision made it appear that way. Judge Webb said Bell was entitled to think what he wanted and ordered him into the custody of the Baxter County Sheriff to await transfer to prison.
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