Lonoke Corruption Case

(Lonoke, Arkansas) Contrary to my original intent, I haven't followed the story of former Lonoke Police Chief Jay Campbell and his wife, Kelly, very closely. At the start, it seemed to be a simple story but it eventually exploded into a wide-spectrum corruption case to which I couldn't devote the time.

To remind readers, back in October 2006 both Jay and Kelly Campbell were charged with a virtual book of crimes, including theft, criminal conspiracy, hindering prosecution, sex offenses, drug offenses, burglary and tampering. Their trial was necessarily delayed because defense attorneys had a mountain of material to review.

The trial of Jay and Kelly Campbell began on March 1st and essentially wrapped up this week. Only sentencing remains. Initially, bail bondsman Bobby Cox was to be tried with the Campbells but the judge decided to grant Cox a mistrial when one witness testifying against Cox was found to have a prior conviction for exhuming Elvis Presley's body. Yes, readers, this case has more twists and turns than directions to an Ozark mountain still.

Moving on. After six weeks of testimony by 140 witnesses and introduction of 300 pieces of evidence, including suggestive photos of Kelly Campbell mixing it up with city jail inmates, the jury returned with a verdict. Note that the sex with inmates charges against Kelly Campbell were eventually dropped because, at the time it occurred, sex with inmates wasn't illegal. Nonetheless, the Campbells were both found guilty of a slew of crimes.

After being portrayed by the prosecution as running the police department like a king above the law, former Lonoke Police Chief Jay Campbell was convicted of 23 charges including the most serious charge of managing a continuing criminal organization or enterprise to obtain drugs, money and jewelry illegally and to obtain construction labor from state prisoners. From the jury came a recommendation of a total of 315 years in prison for Jay Campbell.

Although the charges related to having sex with inmates were dismissed, Kelly Campbell was still convicted of 26 felony and misdemeanor charges. However, the jury found her not guilty of five charges including the charge of running a continuing criminal enterprise. Even so, the jury recommended a total of 303 years in prison, plus one month and 20 years probation. It's not known if she was ultimately convicted of mixing it up with the 16-year-old schoolboy as mentioned previously.

But the jury of six men and six women recommended that their sentences run concurrently. Therefore, Jay Campbell faces a possible 40 years in prison and Kelly Campbell faces a possible 20 years. The sentencing recommendations have been taken under advisement by Special Circuit Judge John Cole who will announce his ruling on April 24th.

The Campbells are expected to appeal.


[Update 04/24/07]

Campbells sentenced.