BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) — Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith announced Friday (Oct. 30) that he’s requesting the appointment of a special prosecutor in the investigation of Benton County Sheriff Kelley Cradduck.
In a release, Smith states he received allegations against the sheriff Oct. 6 and requested an independent investigation by Arkansas State Police. He also requested a special prosecutor, who will be appointed in the coming days, according to the release.
In a grievance filed Thursday, a Benton County deputy claims Sheriff Cradduck ordered her to backtime pay and time slips for another sheriff’s office employee and demoted her when she cooperated with an ASP investigation.
The release states:
“I believe that this decision best serves the people of Benton County by ensuring not only that justice will be served in this case, but also that our system of justice can continue to function. As with any case, the Sheriff is presumed innocent in this matter. As always, I am honored to serve the people of Benton County and my hope is that this decision puts their interests first.”
