State Police asked to investigate Centerton's Police Department

Centerton Police Department
Centerton Police Department

BENTONVILLE -- Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith requested Friday the Arkansas State Police investigate issues surrounding the Centerton Police Department and its two former leaders.

Chief Cody Harper and Capt. Kristopher Arthur were fired Tuesday.

Smith said Friday he's asking the State Police to investigate whether an officer or officers misappropriated city property or used city credit cards for personal property and whether the department violated the Arkansas Speed Trap Law.

Smith said he doesn't recall his office ever receiving any complaints concerning the speeding tickets issue. The law requires the State Police investigate the speed trap issue, so Smith thought it was appropriate for the State Police to look into both issues.

The misappropriations and speed trap issues were discovered by the city after the Sheriff's Office's initial investigation, Smith said.

Smith didn't have a time frame in which the State Police will complete its investigation. He also requested the Arkansas Legislative Audit office assist with the investigation.

He said it's important to have an outside agency review allegations and interview suspects and witnesses.

Harper was initially placed on administrative leave with pay as result of an investigation earlier this month by the Benton County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office gave its file Tuesday to the prosecutor's office.

Smith said those issues will be the only ones involved in the investigation.

Brian Rabal, Centerton's city attorney, previously said Harper and Arthur were fired as result of the investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Rabal said he couldn't comment on Smith's request to the State Police.

Arthur is appealing his termination. The City Council will hear the appeal.

The city hired David Williams, a retired state auditor, to look at the finances of the Police Department and the policies and procedures, according to documents from the city. The documents didn't specify any reasons for the review.

Lt. Anthony Keck was put in charge of the department after the terminations.

NW News on 05/19/2018

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