CRAWFORD COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — A Cedarville police officer was arrested for allegedly letting his stepson, who was no longer reporting to his parole officer, live at his house.
Wayne Sandusky has been an officer at the Cedarville Police Department for four years, according to police chief Kenneth Howard. Cedarville Mayor Deborah Pinkerton confirmed Sandusky has been placed on leave without pay until the outcome of his case is determined.
Sandusky previously ran for Crawford County Sheriff but lost to Sheriff Daniel Perry in 2022. He also worked at the Fort Smith Police Department for over a decade and as a detective in Florida.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the Arkansas Board of Parole has had Sandusky's stepson, Austin Rush, listed as an absconder for over seven months.
A parole officer reportedly reached out to Sandusky about Rush's whereabouts on Aug. 9. He told the officer he didn't know where Rush was but advised that he was "doing well and has been staying out of trouble," the affidavit said.
When the officer asked how Sandusky knew Rush was doing well, he reportedly told the officer he had heard he was doing well. The affidavit says Sandusky told officers he'd let them know if he knew Rush's whereabouts.
On that same day, parole officers, Arkansas State Police (ASP) troopers, and Crawford County deputies arrived at Sandusky's residence, which had also been listed as Rush's previous address with the parole board.
The affidavit said Sandusky confirmed Rush was in the residence when asked by law enforcement. Rush and Sandusky were arrested and transported to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office.
During questioning, Sandusky "admitted that Rush had been living in his residence while has been on absconder status," the affidavit said.
Sandusky is facing the charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution.
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