HARDY, Ark. — Hardy’s police chief has been arrested after a multi-agency investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.
As reported by the Spring River Chronicle, Scott Rose, 47, was detained on June 2 at the FBI field office in Jonesboro on a bench warrant from Sharp County. Rose went to the FBI office after he was called in to speak with officers. He was interviewed and returned to Sharp County, where he was booked into the jail. Jail records show he was arrested at 8:04 PM and released at 9:01 PM. He was transferred to the Independence County Jail, which shows he was booked at 10:17 PM.
The investigation began after Sheriff Shane Russell received a report on March 31 involving allegations against Rose. Lt. Cham Buchanan was assigned to conduct a preliminary review.
While early information was described by investigators as largely unsubstantiated and based on rumor, further interviews — including with the alleged victim and her family — produced new disclosures, including claims of sexual contact and abuse that had not previously been reported, according to the sheriff’s office.
Due to the nature of the allegations and Rose’s role as a public official, the sheriff’s office sought outside assistance. The Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI joined the investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the FBI had also received a related report and contacted local officials, prompting a collaborative investigation between agencies.
- Rose was arrested as a result of the inquiry and is facing the following charges:
- Sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony
- Sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony
- Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, a Class D felony
- Knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor
Sheriff Russell issued a statement thanking the state and federal agencies involved for their assistance, calling the investigation an example of “the critical importance of interagency cooperation.”
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities said no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Disturbing. Law enforcement should be held to the highest standard, and when someone in power abuses that trust—especially in this way—they should face the full weight of justice. My thoughts are with the victims and everyone impacted by this.