Trial of former Arkansas senator underway for bribery, wire fraud Prosecutors argue that a former Arkansas senator bribed a judge to lower a negligence lawsuit against a Greenbrier nursing home. Author: Mercedes Mackay Updated: 7:01 PM CDT July 26, 2021 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Monday began the trial of a former state senator from Conway and former Chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party, Gilbert Baker. Baker is charged with bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy, but this is way more than a corruption trial. This case could involve a who's who of state politics. The atmosphere in the courtroom was definitely different than you would think because of COVID-19 restrictions on Monday.