Central Arkansas jailer, bail bondsman accused of trying to help inmate escape

From left, Robert Ellis, Margaret Cockrell and Glenn Toney
From left, Robert Ellis, Margaret Cockrell and Glenn Toney

A central Arkansas jailer and bail bondsman were arrested Sunday afternoon after they tried to help an inmate escape, authorities said.

Investigators from the Faulkner County sheriff's office learned that detention officer Robert Ellis, 21, was working with a detainee, 25-year-old Glenn Toney, who has been in custody since April, according to a news release.

Toney was being held in lieu of $100,000 bond for one of his charges, the release states, but he had another charge for which he was held without bail and unable to bond out.

Records show that as of Monday morning, Toney faces charges that include first-degree fleeing, delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended or revoked license. It was unclear which charge for which he was being held without bail.

Deputies said they found probable cause to believe Toney offered money to Ellis to manipulate paperwork to remove the no bond hold.

Toney was bonded out by Margaret Cockrell, 60, of Ben's Bail Bonds, who is believed to have conspired with Toney and Ellis, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators arrested Toney as he was trying to walk out the front door of the jail, the release states.

Ellis was fired, according to the sheriff's office.

Ellis and Cockrell are charged with first-degree permitting escape, furnishing implement for escape, aiding consummation of offense and conspiracy, records show. They remained at the jail Monday afternoon, and no bail had been set.

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