Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Angel less than angelic

Angel Smallwood proved to be less than angelic as she was convicted of battery in the third degree in Municipal Court.

The charges were filed by Tracy Jackson, following an incident that occurred when the two worked at the Split Rail facility.

Jackson took the stand first, saying she and Smallwood had words at work before the assault. They had, she said, been talking about another girl, Denise Walker and Jacksons ex-husband.

Jackson said she had gone through what Walker was going through with her children and offered to help her find a job. However, she said, Smallwood went to Walker saying Jackson had low-rated her.

When the two met at work, Jackson said she told Smallwood they needed to be professional at work and leave what happened with Walker outside of work, asking to meet her elsewhere. I was willing to work with her, but she refused to work with me. I told others to take her home because she wouldnt cooperate or do her work. I was the CNA supervisor.

Smallwood was talking to Miss Dorothy and hit me with a right, Jackson continued. I told her she should be glad we were at work or I would retaliate. I didnt hit her back and thats why I pressed charges.

Jackson stepped down with Brett Martin, case manager for Southwest Arkansas Mental Health, taking the stand as a witness to the incident. He told the court he provides services for the Split Rail and knew both parties in passing, and they did work at Split Rail.

His testimony was short and succinct. I was in my office doing work when I heard a noise. I opened the door and saw several CNAs gathered at Miss Dorothys office. I saw Angel Smallwood hit Tracy Jackson and heard Dorothy say Smallwood was fired.

Smallwood had one question for Martin on cross examination, Who are you? Martin again explained his position with Split Rail, adding he was a team leader and had worked there for seven years.

Smallwood took the stand saying Jackson had problems at home with her husband and was telling her stuff.

According to Smallwood, Jackson asked if Walker was her (Smallwoods) cousin. I said yes. She asked if I knew her husband was living with her (Walker).

Smallwood said Miss Dorothy had made Jackson CNA supervisor, but admitted she was unable to work with Jackson because she didnt think they could get along. Smallwood reportedly asked and was given permission to do her rounds alone.

She said when she finished her rounds she saw Jackson sitting on a bench. Reportedly Smallwood and Jackson agreed not to bring their personal problems to work. They had nothing to do with me, she told the court. We argued and went to Miss Dorothy.

Smallwood said she was told to clock out and as she turned to leave she bumped into Jackson, but never hit her. At that point, she was fired and the police were called. I did not hit her in the face.

Dana Stone, deputy prosecuting attorney, told the court given the testimony by Jackson and Martin she believed Smallwood did hit Jackson in the jaw, which constitutes battery in the third degree.

I feel this is crazy, Smallwood said.

Municipal Judge Gene Hale found Smallwood guilty, sentenced her to 30 days in jail, all suspended, and fined her $550. He asked Jackson if she felt a no-contact order was needed.

Jackson said yes, drawing a stunned look from Smallwood. The order was issued and the two are to have no contact with one another.