Charge withdrawn in witness intimidation case
A felony charge of intimidating a witness was withdrawn against a local man after a hearing Thursday in Garland County District Court.
Donald Eugene Smith, 37, appeared in court with his attorney, Byron Cole Rhodes, and the charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, that was filed against Smith on March 18 was withdrawn by prosecutors.
A prior charge of criminal mischief was previously disposed of, Rhodes said Thursday, noting, “(Smith) and his entire family are extremely happy these very serious charges have been finally and successfully disposed of.”
According to reports, on Jan. 26, Smith allegedly sent a victim several text messages in reference to the victim being a witness against Smith committing criminal mischief on Jan. 12.
The victim gave a statement to Hot Springs police that implemented Smith of the crime and he was then charged with criminal mischief. Smith reportedly began texting and calling the victim and threatened to turn him in to Social Security for working while on disability.
Smith also told the victim if he wouldn’t testify against him, Smith would not turn him in.
• A Royal woman pleaded guilty Wednesday in Garland County Circuit Court to felony charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear stemming from her arrest following a disturbance earlier this year.
Cori Lynette Cook, 31, who lists an Owl Creek Cutoff address, was sentenced to three years’ probation on each count, to run concurrently, 120 days in jail and was fined $500 and ordered to pay $795 in court costs.
According to the affidavit, on Feb. 10, around 9 p.m., GCSD Deputy John Schroeder responded to a disturbance in the 4200 block of Airport Road. Upon arrival, he came into con- tact with Cook outside.
He noted Cook’s behavior was erratic and she was unsteady on her feet. She was taken into custody for public intoxication and a search of her purse revealed various drug paraphernalia.
Schroeder located two syringes, a spoon, six plastic bags containing white residue and a homemade pipe in Cook’s coat pocket. She later reportedly admitted the residue was methamphetamine.