TONTITOWN (KFSM) – A Tontitown alderman pleaded not guilty on Friday (May 29) after being accused of a felony charge, officials say.
Rhonda Doudna has been charged with false statement on petition verification form, a Class D Felony, according to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Doudna turned herself over to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for her in May. She was booked and then immediately released on her own recognizance.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on March 12, an individual contacted the Tontitown Police Department to file a complaint. He stated that on April 21, 2014, he signed a petition in reference to the repeal of a city ordinance, the affidavit states. When the individual later saw the petition, the suspect, Rhonda Doudna, had the verification form stating that she witnessed the individual sign the petition, but the individual stated that another person had obtained and witnessed his signature, according to the affidavit.
The Tontitown police chief spoke to another person who signed the same petition, and this person also stated that Doudna did not witness his signature, the affidavit states.
Doudna’s court date has been scheduled for Aug. 10, officials said.
