FORT SMITH — A doctor who is residencyprogram director at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ health clinic in Fort Smith pleaded innocent to drug and firearms charges Wednesday in Crawford County Circuit Court
Dr. Jimmy Acklin, 55, is charged with “manufacture” of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possessionof drug paraphernalia, according to court records.
His attorney, Randy Shock of Fort Smith, waived arraignment before Circuit Judge Gary Cottrell Wednesday and entered the innocent plea on Acklin’s behalf, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Also charged with the same offenses are Jerry Thomas, 46, and Michele Thomas, 41, who share a home with Acklin at 1535 Pleasant Mountain Drive in Crawford County. Van Buren attorney Marvin Honeycutt waived arraignment and entered innocent pleas for the Thomases, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Acklin has been with UAMS’ Area Health Education Center office in Fort Smith since 1986 and has been residency-program director there since 1997. He was placed on administrative leave after his arrest pending the outcome of the charges against him, according to a statement issued by the Fort Smith center office.
Acklin and the Thomaseswere arrested Sept. 13 after a two-month investigation by Arkansas State Police and the 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force, which covers Crawford County.
The home Acklin and the Thomases share was searched Sept. 13. The search yielded a marijuana-growing operation in the basement, several firearms, drug paraphernalia and two large marijuana plants on the property, according to police.
All three are free on bond.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 9 on 09/27/2012