Candidate for Sheriff's office in Washington County makes claims of malfeasance by current occupant

In a bold move to promote transparency amid political tensions, Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins announced Thursday that he has published the complete Arkansas State Police (ASP) report on his office's website, detailing allegations of theft and misuse of county property by Sheriff's Office employees.

The decision came after the county's Quorum Court hesitated to release the document publicly during a recent meeting.

The 1.5-year investigation, initiated in early 2024 following whistleblower complaints, uncovered a pattern of "outdated behavior" and potential constitutional violations within the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), according to county officials.

Key findings include employees using taxpayer-funded heavy machinery--such as skid steers and scissor lifts for personal projects, including work on private properties outside Elkins and Fayetteville.

One notable instance involved maintenance manager Kory Weathers, who allegedly kept a county-owned scissor lift at his home for months to build a personal garage.

Further revelations from the report, presented at a Sept. 18 Quorum Court meeting, highlighted more egregious misconduct: Sheriff's Office maintenance crews, assisted by state inmate trustees, were accused of stripping copper wiring from decommissioned county units and selling it for personal profit, pocketing the proceeds without accountability.

Investigators also documented instances of county property being sold off with funds diverted, alongside broader issues of mismanagement and a "toxic" culture of poor leadership that Deakins described as a "black eye for the entire county."

Deakins, emphasizing the need for public oversight, stated in a video announcement that the report's release ensures "the citizens of Washington County... have the right to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are being wasted and stolen without repercussion."

The full document, including a letter from Special Prosecutor Jason Barrett, is now accessible on the Washington County website. Barrett's July 2025 review concluded there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges but affirmed the allegations had "merit" and could support civil "illegal exaction" lawsuits under Arkansas Constitution Article XVI, §13, allowing taxpayers to seek reimbursement for misused public funds.

The probe began when Deakins' office received multiple credible tips in January 2024 about equipment misuse. An initial internal WCSO review was deemed "inadequate" by county attorneys, prompting an independent probe forwarded to ASP on Nov. 12, 2024.

County Chief of Staff Michael Stewart, a former WCSO employee and current candidate for sheriff, and Deputy County Attorney Catherine Baker led the presentation of evidence to the Quorum Court. Stewart quoted directly from the ASP report, noting violations of Arkansas statutes, ethical codes, and county policies, including personal gain from public resources.

Sheriff Jay Cantrell pushed back forcefully, framing the disclosures as politically motivated.

"This is election season, and the judge’s chief of staff is running for sheriff. I think that’s all that needs to be said," Cantrell said in a statement to local media after the meeting. He acknowledged the internal investigation found some policy breaches but stressed that WCSO had cooperated fully and that no theft charges were filed.

Cantrell's office has proposed reforms, including enhanced tracking of county assets, though Deakins and Quorum Court members are now discussing broader changes, such as transferring HR, IT, legal, and facilities staff back under direct county control—a shift Cantrell had implemented earlier.

Deakins clarified that the findings do not tarnish frontline deputies, praising their "honor and dedication" while calling for systemic reforms to prevent future abuses. "We do this for the love of our county and in support of the rank-and-file deputies that have had to live under such poor leadership for so long," he said.

The Quorum Court has tabled related proposals for further review, with potential civil actions looming if taxpayers pursue illegal exaction claims.As election season heats up—with Stewart challenging Cantrell in the race for sheriff--the release has intensified scrutiny on WCSO operations.

County officials urge residents to review the report and contact their justices of the peace to advocate for accountability measures. Washington County, home to over 250,000 residents and a hub for Northwest Arkansas's growth, relies heavily on public trust in its law enforcement to maintain community safety.