Special Prosecutor On Case Involving Rogers City Attorney

Lipscomb
Lipscomb

BENTONVILLE -- A special prosecutor was sworn in Friday to handle a case involving possible violations 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 prosecutor for Crawford County.

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

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

McCune wouldn't 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.

Clark said the case file is sealed, and he couldn't 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's 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.

NW News on 08/23/2014

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