A parolee was arrested in Baxter County after being caught with a large amount of illegal drugs, including almost 11 pounds of methamphetamine, and 18 pounds of marijuana, has now been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on the same basic charges.
The federal grand jury indictment was served on 34-year-old Bobby Joe Gray early last month and a February 23 trial date is now set in his case but is subject to change.
14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge said Tuesday that Gray’s Baxter County case would remain open until the federal case is concluded.
Electronic court records on the person arrested with Gray, 33-year-old Lauren Jernigan, do not show that federal charges are pending against her as of yet.
STARTED WITH HOME VISIT
The arrests of both Gray and Jernigan resulted in a visit by probation/parole officers. They came to Gray’s residence located along State Highway 126 near Midway to conduct a compliance visit on the afternoon of September 8.
The officers called the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office for backup when Gray refused to open the door to allow officers into the residence.
When additional deputies arrived, Gray bolted out the back door carrying a blue backpack. He was quickly apprehended.
In addition to the large quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana found inside and outside the residence, a smaller amount of fentanyl and 88 concentrated THC vape cartridges were located. THC is the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
According to the Baxter County Sheriff’s office, the seized drugs have a street value of almost $600,000.
At one point, Gray is alleged to have told officers 10 pounds of the methamphetamine seized at his residence was part of what had been a 50-pound shipment.
In addition, officers took into evidence more than $5,000 in cash, digital scales and a Glock Model 19 handgun.
Officers also reported seizing several vehicles.
The state charges against the couple include trafficking a controlled substance, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of Schedule VI controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.
The tampering charge was filed only against Jernigan several days after Gray was arrested. She was accused of attempting to hide what was described as a “transaction ledger” to prevent officers from taking it as evidence.
The ledger, which is reported to contain names and “pay/owe” information, was being kept with other evidence in a backroom of Gray’s residence.
One of the investigators said after officers returned to the sheriff’s office, it was discovered the ledger was not with the other items collected.
When listening to a recorded telephone conversation between Gray, who had been locked up, and Jernigan, who was not yet in jail, it was discovered she had gone into the room and removed the ledger from the other evidentiary items.
As of Tuesday, Jernigan remains an inmate in the Baxter County Detention Center with bond set at $500,000. Gray has been moved to another detention facility in the state.
Gray’s jail records show he is being held without bond for the U.S. Marshals’ Service.
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