Former Officer Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Police Report and Battery in Use-of-Force Case

JONESBORO, Ark. — Today, former officer Joseph Tucker Harris pleaded guilty to Filing a False Police Report (D Felony) and Battery in the Third Degree (A Misdemeanor) arising from an August 9, 2024, incident involving detainee Billy Coram. Harris was sentenced to 36 months’ probation, including 30 days in the Craighead County Detention Center and an additional 90 days of house confinement. He will be booked into the jail today to begin serving the custodial portion of his sentence.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred while Coram was being transported to the Craighead County jail. After Coram attempted to hang himself with a seat belt, Harris pulled the vehicle over and struck Coram multiple times in the head and closed Coram’s head in the car door. Upon arrival at the jail—and after control of the detainee had been transferred to jail personnel—Harris attempted to strike Coram again. Harris did not disclose these actions in his report, instead falsely stating that Coram “was transported with no further incident.”

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This plea agreement complies with the sentencing guidelines established by the Arkansas Legislature for these offenses. While Harris’s conduct was unacceptable and a serious breach of the standards expected of those entrusted with public safety, he is a first-time offender with no prior criminal history—factors the law requires courts and prosecutors to consider in determining a just and lawful outcome.

As part of the plea, Harris has permanently surrendered his law-enforcement certification, ensuring he will never again serve as a law-enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas.

“We recognize that cases involving use of force by law enforcement generate strong and understandable emotions,” said Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Thomason. “Our responsibility is to evaluate the evidence, follow the law, and pursue a fair and just result—regardless of the defendant’s occupation or position. Accountability applies to everyone.”

The Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the fair administration of justice.