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.
