A 36-year-old Mountain Home woman faces a trio of felony charges for her role in a plot to smuggle drugs and tobacco into the Baxter County Detention Center.
Shelby Jean Malone was arrested Wednesday on charges of delivery of methamphetamine, delivery of a schedule III controlled substance and furnishing, possession or using prohibited articles. She was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Malone was part of the plot with co-defendant Sean David Ford to smuggle loose tobacco, methamphetamine, buprenorphine and naloxone to inmate Ryan Eberley.
On April 30, a man later identified as Ford, allegedly came to the Baxter County Detention Center lobby and left a Walmart photo envelope to be delivered to Eberley. The jailer on duty collected the package and noticed it was heavy and bulky. Upon examination, authorities located 1.56 grams of meth, 2.78 grams of loose tobacco and the prescription drugs. The items were sealed in a sticky, clear plastic.
A review of surveillance footage from the lobby allowed authorities to identify Ford from his distinctive neck tattoo. Included in the package was a hand-written note signed by Sean Ford. Ford arrived in and left in an SUV, with Malone later identified as the driver of the vehicle.
Eberley, the designated receiver of the package, allegedly told authorities he knew the female in the photographs and had known Ford since he was seven years old. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Eberley was questioned and said that he was expecting photographs of the female. During questioning, Eberley allegedly admitted he was informed of the drugs and tobacco and had been expecting them.
Authorities also uncovered a recorded conversation between Malone and Eberley on the jail phone system, which allegedly occurred while Ford was dropping off the package in the lobby. The phone call continued after Ford returned to the vehicle, with Ford allegedly instructing Eberley to “look between the pictures.”
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