STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING DRUG TASK FORCE 'HIT LIST' MAKE ARRESTS

State police are investigating threats against the lives of two 16th
Judicial Drug Task Force officers, and a circuit judge may have been
targeted as well, the Sun-Times has learned.

"Approximately two months ago, various law enforcement
representatives, both state and local, working in the Fulton County
area, began receiving information concerning the threats being made
against DTF Officers Scott Russell and Brian Sanderson," said
Lieutenant Bill Beach with the Arkansas State Police. "The threats
were in retaliation for several methamphetamine related arrests."

Two people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
"Along with the arrests of Kermit 'Bill' Comstock, 46, and his wife,
Jocasta M. Comstock, 34, of Salem, a search warrant was executed on
their home." he said. "Both were arrested for violating terms and
conditions of bond as given on a previous drug arrest in Fulton County.

"The search warrant led to the seizure of an SKS rifle with multiple
clips and several hundred rounds of ammunition. The Comstock's are
currently being held without bond, pending an appearance in circuit
court."

In addition to Russell and Sanderson, other lives may be threatened.
"Non-specific information has indicated that there was a 'target list'
in circulation of additional person that were to be killed," said
Beach. "However, at this point in the investigation, investigators
cannot confirm the existence of such a list, nor has specific evidence
been found that would indicate one has existed."

Several law enforcement officials met earlier this week to determine
where the case should turn now. "Arkansas State Police Criminal
Investigation Division Special Agent (S/A) Jeff Stone is conducting
the investigation in conjunction with the Fulton County Sheriff's
Department Sheriff's Office and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting
Attorney's Office," he said. "Other than the current charge mentioned,
no other state charges have been filed at this time.

"S/A Stone and other authorities met Tuesday with representatives of
the U.S. Attorney's Office for the eastern district of Arkansas to
discuss further investigation of these allegations on a federal level."

As of press time Thursday, Beach did not know what additional charges
might be filed. "The investigation into the reported threats is ongoing."

The Sun-Times received information that Judge Tim Weaver was included
on the 'target list' but Beach could not confirm the information. The
16th Judicial DTF covers Cleburne, Fulton, Izard, Stone, and
Independence Counties.