Jury Trial For Former Benton County Road Department Employees

Stober
Stober

— Three former Benton County employees could face a jury in July.

Scott Stober, Jackie Brown and Grant McCracken, arrested last summer and charged in connection with allegations of theft involving the county Road Department, are scheduled to be tried together. The jury trial is slated to begin July 22. Circuit Judge Robin Green on Monday scheduled pretrial hearings for June 30 and July 7.

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Brown

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McCracken

Possible Sentences

A Class C felony is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years if convicted.

A Class D felony carries up to six years in prison if convicted.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable with up to a year in county jail if convicted.

Source: Staff Report

Benton County comptroller Sarah Wilson was placed on administrative leave Friday. Sheriff Kelley Cradduck said his office is re-evaluating its investigation into thefts involving the Road Department.

Joel Huggins, Stober's attorney, confirmed that Stober and Wilson are now married.

County Judge Bob Clinard said Monday he could not comment on Wilson's relationship with Stober or whether it had any bearing on her status with the county. Clinard said Monday the situation had not been completely resolved.

Nathan Smith, deputy prosecutor, also declined to comment on the case.

Stober, the county's public service administrator who oversaw the department, was arrested July 30 in connection with theft of property, a Class D felony; and theft of property, a Class C felony. He later resigned.

Stober, 47, of Bella Vista, purchased parts totaling $1,487 from JAB Truck Transmission and Differential Co. to rebuild the rear differential on his truck, according to court documents.

He also is accused of buying tires totaling $858 from Moore's Tires in February 2013. Stober told the Sheriff's Office he bought wood from Ridout Lumber with county money in July. He used the wood to build a deck onto his home. The affidavit states Stober purchased a toolbox for his county vehicle with county money, but then used the toolbox as a toy box for his children. Stober also is accused of using county money to paint his home.

Stober also is accused of stealing a welder and water storage tank, along with piping valued at more than $5,000 from Walter Ericksen.

Brown, 51, of Rogers was arrested in connection with theft of property, a Class C felony; theft of services, a Class A misdemeanor; and obstructing governmental operations, a Class C misdemeanor. McCracken, 42, of Fayetteville was arrested in connection with being an accomplice to theft of property, a Class A misdemeanor.

Brown is accused of stealing more than $5,000 in taxpayer money to pay for personal expenses and also stealing money from selling property sold to Rogers Iron & Metal. The theft of services charge involves an accusation Brown directed other employees to spend eight hours on his land planting trees while they were being paid with taxpayer money. The misdemeanor obstruction charge is in connection with a claim Brown lied to Sheriff's Office deputies investigating theft in the Road Department.

The misdemeanor charge against McCracken involves a claim he helped Stober in committing theft by picking up lumber from Ridout Lumber and taking it to Stober's home. The lumber was paid for with taxpayer money and was intended for Stober's personal use.

Brown resigned and McCracken was fired and his subsequent appeal was denied.

NW News on 04/08/2014

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