Full Notification

A local couple is in custody today as a result of a narcotics investigation in Benton.

Coley Mills, 23 of Benton has been charged with one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and three counts of Statutory Rape in the first degree. Bond has been set at $25,000.00 Cash Only.

Bailie Chidester, 19 of Benton has been charged with one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. $5000.00 Cash or Surety.

Sheriff Walter stated that Detective SSGT Branden Caid had received information that narcotics were being possessed and distributed from a residence in Benton. Detective Caid took the information gathered and obtained a search warrant for the residence. As a result of the search, detectives located several bags of marijuana, scales, packaging materials, along with an assortment of drug paraphernalia.

During the search, Sheriff Rick Walter located a 13-year-old juvenile inside the residence. As a result of the investigation, detectives later discovered that Mills had been having sex with the juvenile.

Walter stated that two additional men were arrested during the search and were later released on a court summons for Possession of less than 35 grams of Marijuana and Unlawful use of Drug Paraphernalia.

Walter stated that "you never know where a case will take you; one minute you're working a narcotics investigation and in the next minute it turns into a sex case". Walter commended his staff for their ability to multitask and handle whatever is thrown at them. Sheriff Walter stated "I am just pleased that we were able help the neighborhood become a little safer."

Sheriff Walter also thanks the Benton Police Department and the staff at the Beacon Center for their assistance in this case.