Fayetteville, AR – On March 15, 2022, the Benton County
Prosecutors Office contacted the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in
Fayetteville, AR, seeking assistance in locating state fugitive Jessica
Wuest. A warrant was issued in early January for Wuest by Benton County
for Failure to Appear on charges for Trafficking a Controlled Substance
and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The Western Arkansas Fugitive
Task Force was brought in to assist with the apprehension of Wuest when
authorities believed she may have crossed states lines and initially
fled to California to avoid trial.
On March 21st, the U.S. Marshals investigation
led them to an address outside of Norfork, Arkansas to the home of
Randall Beard. With the assistance of the Baxter County Sheriff’s
Office, Wuest was found hiding under a bed in a small camper trailer.
During the arrest of Wuest officers uncovered approximately 200 grams of
methamphetamine, approximately 111 grams of marijuana, and multiple
articles of drug paraphernalia used in the trafficking of narcotics. A
quantity of approximately 38 prescription pills of various types were
also found.
Jessica Wuest and Randall Beard were both taken
to the Baxter County Detention Center and booked on charges as follows:
Randall Beard, 40 years old, of the Norfork area,
charged with:
Trafficking a Controlled Substance – Felony
Possession of Schedule VI Controlled
Substance Purpose of Delivery – Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose of
Delivery – Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony
Habitual Criminal Act – Penalty Enhancement
Parole Violation
Jessica Wuest, 38 years old, of Glenco, Arkansas,
charged with:
Trafficking a Controlled Substance – Felony
Possession of Schedule VI Controlled
Substance Purpose of Delivery – Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose of
Delivery – Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony
Habitual Criminal Act – Penalty Enhancement
Parole Violation
Holds on Felony Bench Warrants for Fail to
Appear from Benton County and Fulton County on drug charges
U.S. Marshals task forces combine the efforts of
federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest
the most dangerous fugitives. These task forces are dedicated to
reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals.
They also serve as the central point for agencies to share information
on fugitive matters. In 2021, the U.S. Marshals arrested just under
90,000 fugitives nationwide, of which 6,119 were wanted in connection
with homicides, and 10,510 were sex offenders.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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First Federal Law Enforcement Agency