HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin Sr., 44, was arrested today following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
Franklin faces four charges of Failure to Pay or File a Tax Return, each classified as a Class D felony.
The investigation, initiated in June 2024 at the request of First Judicial District Prosecutor Todd Murray, revealed that Franklin had not filed taxes in four of the past five years.
The arrest took place without incident during a routine traffic stop around 5 p.m., where an SIU agent and Troop D Troopers apprehended Franklin. He was subsequently transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $100,000 by a presiding judge.
The Arkansas State Police has stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with further details to be disclosed as they become available.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Full Arkansas State Police Press Release:
HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. – On June 24, 2025, Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin Sr., 44, as a result of a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) probe.
Franklin was charged with four counts of Failure to Pay or File a Tax Return, a Class D felony.
First Judicial District Prosecutor Todd Murray asked ASP in June 2024 to investigate. The SIU investigation revealed that Franklin has not filed taxes four out of the past five years.
Franklin was taken into custody during a traffic stop at about 5 p.m. by an SIU agent and Troop D Troopers without incident.
Franklin was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, where a judge set his bond at $100,000.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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