E. TEXAS POLICE CHIEF ARRESTED ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES

GRAPELAND (AP) -- An East Texas police chief once known for making
methamphetamine drug busts was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of
manufacturing and distributing the drug.

After an eight-month probe, investigators say they have compelling evidence
against Grapeland Police Chief Billy Charles Baker: a video and audio tape
that captures him making hand-to-hand deals.

They raided Baker's home Wednesday in search of narcotics. No drugs were
found, but police removed almost a dozen firearms. Baker faces additional
charges of carrying a gun in commission of a drug offense.

Five charges in all were brought against the police chief, according to
Dogwood Trials Narcotics Task Force Commander Rick Stewart. The principal
ones are for the manufacture or distribution of methamphetamines and the
distribution of methamphetamines.

Baker pleaded not guilty to all five counts against him Wednesday
afternoon, and a judge released him on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

Baker is scheduled to appear in court March 6. If convicted, he faces a
maximum 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines.

Grapeland is a town of about 1,400 about 110 miles north of Houston.