Washington County deputy resigns, faces domestic battery, threatening charges

Steven Hulsey
Steven Hulsey

FAYETTEVILLE — A 19-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff's Office resigned last week amid an internal investigation, according to documents released Monday by County Attorney Steve Zega.

Cpl. Steven Hulsey now faces felony charges stemming from an incident that occurred Thursday at his Greenland home, Greenland Police Chief Gary Ricker said Monday.

Hulsey was booked into the Washington County Jail on Monday afternoon, on suspicion of first-degree false imprisonment, terroristic threatening and third-degree domestic battering, according to the county website. He was released shortly after being booked on a $5,000 bond.

The arresting agency was listed as the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and it was unclear if the arrest was related to the Greenland investigation.

Hulsey submitted his official notice of resignation to Sheriff Tim Helder on Wednesday.

According to a termination notice signed by Helder on Friday, Hulsey resigned during an internal investigation. The last day he worked reportedly was Feb. 6.

Zega would not comment on the nature of the Sheriff's Office's internal investigation, citing two ongoing external investigations.

One of those investigations involves the Greenland Police Department. Zega would not identify the other party investigating.

Ricker, the Greenland police chief, said officers responded to 104 S. Napier Ave. about 4 p.m. Thursday.

He wouldn't describe the nature of the call — citing an ongoing investigation — but said Greenland police intended to arrest Hulsey as soon as he left a doctor's care.

Ricker said Hulsey initially went to Washington Regional Medical Center with "a non-physical injury" and was transferred to a facility in Springdale.

Ricker emphasized that Thursday's incident occurred after Hulsey submitted his notice of resignation.

"Our investigation really has nothing to do with his resignation," he said.

According to his social media accounts, Hulsey is a veteran crime scene investigator and undercover narcotics detective.

He is a board member of the International Crime Scene Investigators Association and a contract instructor for the University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute in Little Rock, an institute spokeswoman confirmed Monday.

Steve Voorhies, university spokesman, said Hulsey was hired as an instructor of sociology in January.

"I don't know his current status," Voorhies said Monday. "Steps are being taken to make sure his classes are being taught, and counseling is available for students who may need it."

Hulsey's base salary with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, excluding overtime, was $47,590, according to Lindsi Huffaker, county human resources director.

Kelly Cantrell, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said he had worked there since February 1996.

He earns $1,111 per month as a university instructor, Voorhies said.

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