Special prosecutor sworn in to investigate Rogers city attorney

BENTONVILLE — A special prosecutor was sworn in Friday to handle a case involving possible violation of the state’s felony and misdemeanor laws by Ben Lipscomb, Rogers city attorney, according to a court document.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren swore in Marc McCune as special prosecutor. McCune is the prosecuting attorney for Crawford County.

McCune’s oath stated he was appointed to prosecute violations of Arkansas’ felony and misdemeanor laws which may be revealed in regard to the investigation of Lipscomb, according to the oath document.

The special prosecutor was needed after Jim Clark, Benton County’s prosecuting attorney, recused. Clark worked several years as Lipscomb’s deputy.

McCune would not comment on details of the case.

“I am going to look into it, and talk with the individuals involved, and make a decision in the next couple of weeks,” McCune said after he was sworn in.

McCune declined further comment.

Clark said the case file is sealed and he could not comment.

Bob McMahan, director of the Arkansas Prosecutors Coordinator’s Office, selected McCune as special prosecutor after receiving Clark’s request.

McMahan declined to discuss the specifics of the case, but said the investigation concerns an allegation that Lipscomb impersonated a police officer.

Lipscomb declined to comment Thursday afternoon on appointment of a special prosecutor, but said there is no statute concerning impersonating a police officer.

“It’s impersonating a law enforcement officer, and as a prosecuting attorney, I am a law enforcement officer,” Lipscomb said.

Clark said he asked Bentonville police to investigate the complaint involving Lipscomb.

Jon Simpson, Bentonville police chief, also declined comment.

Lipscomb's term ends Dec. 31, 2016. He is serving in his fourth term as city attorney.

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