Arkansas Couple Arrested for Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Bobby Bittle and Carolyn Jameson were arrested on Dec. 19 on charges related to hosting Ayahuasca ceremonies:
1) Delivery of Controlled Substance (Class B Felony),
2) Criminal Conspiracy (Class C Felony),
3) Maintaining Drug Premises (Class C Felon),
4) Use of a Communication Device (Class C Felony), and
5) Conduct Constituting Attempt (Class C Felony).
The last 2 charges in that list seem overly vague, so we’ve at least linked to the legal definition of the charges – though even after reading the definition of “criminal attempt”, it still doesn’t make any sense to this writer.
A confidential informant claimed to police that ceremonies were being held the residence, and police claim that a second informant claimed that Mr. Bittle was making his own DMT out of Mimosa bark. And they claim that after fitting the informant with a wire, a purchase of “Schedule III narcotics” (more on that below) was arranged and audio-recorded.
Police searched the residence and found around six pounds of cannabis, over 13 pounds of Schedule III narcotics, nearly a pound of psilocybin products, 48 firearms, and $3,905 in cash.
Schedule III narcotics are substances with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. These include products containing 1.8 grams or less of codeine, buprenorphine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, opium, and morphine in specified limited quantities. These substances are considered ‘controlled substances‘, and may be prescribed with up to five refills within a six-month period by a licensed doctor.’
Police further claim that the packages of Schedule III narcotics had Chinese tracking numbers on them, and that Ms. Jameson was present at the time of arrest – and that it was “obvious” she was living there. Interestingly though, there’s no record of an arrest warrant ever being issued for her.
Joshua Robinson, the chief deputy prosecuting attorney for Benton County – where the arrest took place – said that the amount of “drugs” qualify as “trafficking”, and said that if the couple are convicted, they may face up to life in prison.
Mr. Bittle and Ms. Jameson were assigned bonds of $250k and $150k respectively, and both were released on Dec. 21, with a court appearance expect on Jan. 26.
Though we were unable to locate any relevant follow-up records for that Jan 26th appearance, the case records and arrest warrant for Mr. Bittle are below, and it’s unclear if the couple will be presenting a defense based on religious or spiritual freedoms.
Sources:
- KFSM-TV 5 News: Northwest Arkansas gym owners arrested for alleged drug trafficking, conspiracy
- KNWA/KFTA Fox 16: Bentonville gym owners accused of trafficking drugs from business
- Benton County Circuit Court: Case #04CR-25-2174-1 – State V Bobby Bittle
- Benton Country Circuit Court: Warrant of Arrest for Bobby Bittle
- Benton Country Circuit Court: Case #04CR-25-2173 – State V Carolyn Jameson
