BENTONVILLE — Sheriff Kelley Cradduck will not seek a recount in Tuesday’s election results, ending his bid for re-election.
“This morning my campaign manager and I spoke about the possibility of challenging the results of the race since there was such a small difference for me to be in a runoff,” Cradduck said in statement posted on Facebook. “At first I agreed that we should move forward with the challenge. As I thought and prayed about it. I have decided that the county and my family would be better off if we just let the numbers stand.”
Cradduck’s decision means that Sheriff’s Office Major Shawn Hollway will compete in a runoff against Lowell police lieutenant Paul Pillaro. The runoff will be March 22.
Holloway won 49 percent of the vote and Pillaro won 21 percent of the vote. Cradduck finished third with 21 percent and Siloam Springs Cpl. Timothy Filbeck ended up with 8 percent.
“I wish both candidates good luck and would like to thank all those who have and continue to stand with me and my family,” Cradduck said in his statement. “Over the next 10 months I plan to continue my work as sheriff and prepare the office for whoever the voters decide in the upcoming November election.”
The winner of the runoff will face Glenn Latham, an independent, in the November election.
Cradduck was seeking a third term. He sought re-election even after being arrested and charged with tampering with public record, a Class D felony; and tampering, a Class A misdemeanor. Cradduck has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Cradduck has said he was attempting to help Gabriel Cox , who was homeless at the time, by hiring him to work in the jail. Cox's personnel records listed Cradduck's address as his home when he was hired. The sheriff has said Cox moved into an apartment in Rogers after he received his first paycheck.