BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Two Bentonville gym owners were arrested on multiple charges after authorities said they were trafficking drugs from their home and on-site business.
Bobby Bittle, 47, and Carolyn Jameson, 39, were taken into custody by the Bentonville Police Department on Dec. 19. They face charges including criminal conspiracy, trafficking of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug premises, and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.
A probable cause affidavit filed Dec. 23 revealed that Bittle operated Chop HQ, a gym on SW Palmer Creek, and also conducted narcotics-related activities at his home. A confidential informant described “ceremonies” at the residence where participants consumed psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca tea, marijuana, DMT, and other psychedelics. Bittle reportedly made his own DMT from Mimosa Tenuiflora bark, a Schedule I hallucinogen under federal law.
During a Dec. 19 search of the home, authorities seized approximately six pounds of marijuana, over 13 pounds of Schedule III drugs, about one pound of psilocybin mushrooms, 48 firearms, and $3,905 in cash. Officials noted that Jameson had large quantities of narcotics in areas of the home occupied solely by her.
The affidavit also mentioned Bittle’s ties to Southeast Asia, with multiple passport stamps supporting frequent travel, and some Schedule III narcotics had Chinese tracking on the packaging.
Both suspects were released from the Benton County Detention Center on Dec. 21. Bittle’s bond was set at $250,000, and Jameson’s at $150,000. Their court date is scheduled for Jan. 26.
