A federal jury found that two Pulaski County constables violated peoples’ rights by illegally searching or detaining them and taking money or other property without benefit of the legal process.
Pulaski County Constables Michael “Wally” Wallace and Gary E. Baldock were convicted Friday of conspiring to violate civil rights and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with the intent to distribute, according to news outlets.
FBI agents found 5.9 grams of methamphetamine at Wallace’s house when they arrested him and a half-gram of the drug in the trunk of Baldock’s cruiser. Federal authorities, though, did not argue the two sold drugs, but rather that they kept drugs to plant them on people to make bogus arrests.
The drug charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
One witness testified Wallace and Baldock took part in setting her up on a phony drunk driving arrest, and two others testified about allegations Wallace planted evidence on them.
The agent was treated and later released from a hospital. Baldock was also shot in the incident.
By Ken Howlett, News Director and the Associated Press
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
