Chandler Disappears Before Meth Lab Trial
Last updated Tuesday, March 20, 2007 7:05 PM CDT in News
By Robin Mero
The Morning News
BENTONVILLE --Bail bondsmen searched Tuesday for a 33-year-old Bentonville man who disappeared the morning of his jury trial on charges of cooking methamphetamine at his mother's home in 2003.
Dustin Chandler left a note for his mother, apologizing and saying he "had no choice," said Fayetteville defense attorneys Paul Smith and Kara Moore, who learned of the note about 8:30 a.m. -- as the courtroom was filling with jurors.
Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger sent home the 45 potential jurors and ordered Action Bail Bonds to produce Chandler.
Bondsman Curt Clark said Tuesday evening his team actively pursued Chandler through the day. The company holds $30,000 in bonds for the man, who faces two sets of drug charges.
Chandler was charged with manufacturing meth in a detached garage at the home of his mother, Marie Chandler, 1207 Cedar Heights, in October 2003. She was then a records clerk with the Bentonville Police Department, but resigned after the arrest.
Dustin Chandler could face life in prison if convicted on charges of manufacturing meth, possessing meth with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of psilocybin mushrooms.
"We are frustrated," Smith said Tuesday afternoon. "Basically, we put our practice on hold for the last month to prepare for this case -- and, as I always say, the tribulation comes before the trial."
Smith and Moore said they maintained daily contact with Chandler and spoke to him Monday.
Chandler is also due in court March 26 on charges from a subsequent arrest on July 21, 2004, including driving on a suspended driver's license, driving left of center, failure to signal, no seat belt, careless and prohibitive driving, no proof of insurance and possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture.
Deputy Prosecutor A.J. Anglin said Chandler could face an additional felony charge of failure to appear, but that decision will be made after Chandler is found.
The Bentonville Criminal Nuisance Abatement Board in 2004 ordered Marie Chandler to test her home, garage and grounds for meth residue. The board also declared her house a nuisance and ordered the detached garage to remain locked.
Chandler appealed to the Benton County Circuit Court, but she didn't properly serve the suit and the case was closed in July, according to court records. Bentonville City Attorney Camille Thompson said Tuesday the board's order should stand, but the city has deferred to the court cases, hoping cleanup could be ordered through their disposition -- and Dustin Chandler would be held responsible.
"I am a little sympathetic, since she's not the defendant," Thompson said of Marie Chandler.
County assessor data shows Chandler still owns the home.
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To Marie Chandler wrote on Mar 21, 2007 7:32 AM:
Melisa wrote on Mar 21, 2007 9:24 AM:
Legalize Drugs wrote on Mar 21, 2007 9:39 AM:
Drugs Legal?Ur Crazy wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:28 AM:
Look Around wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:32 PM:
Haley wrote on Mar 21, 2007 7:00 PM:
Not already registered?
catsmeow wrote on Mar 20, 2007 9:56 PM: