FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — An Elkins police officer was arrested Monday (Oct. 1) in connection with second-degree forgery.
According to a probable cause affidavit, James Todd forged divorce papers and sent them to his wife, Laurie Todd, in South Carolina.
Todd downloaded a divorce decree from the Internet and put his and Laurie Todd’s names on it, then added an authentic Washington County seal.
He placed a fake file mark on the document and signed a fraudulent judge’s name, Judge Stephen M. Kearney, the affidavit said. An Internet search showed no such judge in the United States, the affidavit said.
Todd, 48, was taken into custody at the state and refused an interview, the affidavit said.
He was free Tuesday (Oct. 3) on a $1,500 bond. He has a hearing set for Nov. 5 in Washington County Circuit Court.
Second-degree forgery is a Class C felony, which are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000, according to Arkansas Code Annotated 5-4-401.
Todd has been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues, according to Elkins Police Chief Bill Rhodes.
Todd was hired in 2013 as a school resource officer but most recently served as a corporal in the patrol division, Rhodes said.
