BENTONVILLE -- Prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against Glenn Latham, a candidate for Benton County sheriff, Benton County's prosecuting attorney said Monday.
Nathan Smith announced his decision to not seek any charges against Latham after an Arkansas State Police investigation looked into a girl's accusation Latham inappropriately touched her.
Smith previously said the investigation was started by State Police and didn't come from his office.
Smith sent a letter to the special agent assigned to the case there was insufficient evidence to convict Latham of a criminal offense. He states in his letter he also considered the position of the alleged victim and her family.
The State Police's report also contained information from the girl's mother her daughter admitted fabricating the allegations concerning Latham. The girl also recanted the allegations when she was interviewed by State Police investigators, according to Smith's letter.
Latham said Smith decided there would be no charges "in the unfounded allegation."
"I have waited patiently for the process to work, and although it took several weeks longer than hoped, the case is closed, unfounded," Latham said Monday. "I look forward to continuing my campaign to change the Benton County Sheriff's Office into an office with a positive reputation and a positive reflection of our community."
Latham is the independent candidate for sheriff in the Nov. 8 election. Shawn Holloway is his opponent. Holloway won the Republican nomination in March over then-Sheriff Kelley Cradduck. Early voting starts Oct. 24.
Holloway is chief deputy at the Benton County Sheriff's Office. He couldn't be reached for comment Monday.
NW News on 10/11/2016