When Money Grew on Trees

Book excerpt: Imagine breaking the law without fear. Imagine piles of money that literally grew on trees. Those dreams became reality for David Mac after the young man from Michigan settled in Madison County, Arkansas. This is his tale about life as a marijuana moonshiner in the Ozark Mountains, and the corrupt sheriff who made it all possible. It’s a story about drugs and arson, murder and suicide, friendship and betrayal. Most importantly, this book reveals one of Arkansas’ darkest secrets, and demystifies one of its greatest legends. Sheriff Ralph Baker, the man who befriended David Mac, and taught him what it means to be an outlaw. This is Mac’s story of damnation and redemption. From the first marijuana seed he planted, to the Devil’s bargain Mac struck with Sheriff Baker, this book explores their harrowing journey on the twisted outlaw trail. Along the way, the unlikely duo of lawman and outlaw discovered that greed ruins even the best-laid plans, and the Devil always gets His due. Although the hills and hollows echoed with whispers after the sheriff’s alleged suicide, no one dared to reveal the hidden truth behind his double life. Until now.