Bell sent to prison for violation
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?We?ve been to court 22 times and so far we haven?t seen justice done,? said Baker?s brother, William Baker of the 90 days Bell served on his eight-year sentence due to a plea agreement. ?He owes this family eight years.?
Bell was given the eight-year probation period for the death of Baker, 52, whom he hit head-on with his pickup on White Hall Road near Mt. Zion. Lawmen suspect Bell was under the influence, however, he was not tested for alcohol until hours later when most of the alcohol had dissipated from his system. Given the lack of evidence, both sides agreed he would serve 90 days of an eight-year sentence.
Bell was violated recently for testing positive for meth use on two occasions when tested by his probation officer. Bell defended himself by saying he had done the drug just twice, but District Attorney General Dale Potter questioned why he would seek treatment for a drug he had used only twice. Bell admitted he also tried to keep the use of meth away from his probation officer, hoping his drug test would not find the meth.
?He had a chance to live his life right,? said Baker?s widow, Debra Baker. ?A good man is dead. Justice needs to be done today.?
Special Judge James Weatherford agreed with the family, saying he doubted Bell?s honesty. Weatherford revoked his probation for the balance of his sentence. Bell has already served over two years on probation so he will be violated for just over five years.