A photo of a man circulating social media has caused some concern for not only the Benton County Sheriff’s Office but the man himself.
The photo shows an Estonian exchange student named Mirko. He’s one of many students in the area who sell books for a Nashville, Tenn., based company called Southwestern Advantage. But posts on Facebook claim he and others are involved in a Human Trafficking Ring in Benton County, according to Deputy Keisha Guyll.
“This same gentleman showed up at the Sheriff’s Office this morning, in quite a panic, concerned for his safety, as well as his partners’ safety,” Guyll said.
Guyll says the fraudulent post has been shared to more than 2,500 Facebook users.
“I have researched this company and it is a legitimate company,” she said. “There are several students, from the same company, trying to sell books here in Benton County.”
Guyll wants to encourage residents to be careful when door-to-door salesmen or anyone they are not familiar with comes to their door, but stresses that this particular Facebook post is just a rumor.
Similar rumors door-to-door salesmen preying on children have circulated throughout areas such as Siloam Springs, Franklin County and Faulkner County. Authorities there are also addressing concerns. Click here to read more.
