Sexual assault of two juveniles in Cross County leads to arrest of former deputy sheriff

A former Cross County Sheriff’s Deputy is behind bars tonight, facing serious charges after a swift investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of misconduct.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested 26-year-old Dillon Kemp of Wynne, accusing him of sexually assaulting two juvenile females in incidents that occurred in previous years.

The case began to unfold earlier this week when Cross County Sheriff David West received a tip regarding Kemp, one of his former deputies. Sheriff West immediately contacted ASP’s CID on Monday, March 17, 2025, requesting their expertise in handling the sensitive

investigation.

“We forwarded this to the state police to ensure there’s no conflict of interest,” West told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to transparency.

Following his arrest, Kemp was terminated from his position with the Cross County Sheriff’s Office, where he had served as a patrol deputy.

ASP agents moved quickly, concluding their probe in just four days. Their investigation revealed that Kemp had assaulted two juvenile females, though specific details about the incidents--including the exact timeline and the ages of the victims--have not been disclosed to protect the minors’ identities.

Kemp was apprehended without incident at the Cross County Sheriff’s Office, and was booked into the Cross County Jail. He now faces two felony counts of Second-Degree Sexual Assault, charges that could carry significant prison time if he’s convicted.

Kemp, a Wynne native, had been part of the Sheriff’s Patrol Division, which operates under Chief Deputy Larry Jones.

The division is responsible for covering the county’s 622 square miles, responding to calls, and maintaining a visible presence to deter crime.

Park.

Sheriff West declined to comment further on Kemp’s tenure or the allegations, citing the ongoing legal process.

“He’s no longer with us, and the state police are handling it from here,” West said.

Kemp is scheduled to appear before a judge for an initial hearing, expected as early as Saturday, March 22, 2025, though court records have yet to confirm the exact date.

The Arkansas State Police have remained tight-lipped about the investigation, releasing only a brief statement confirming Kemp’s arrest and charges.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact ASP Troop D at (870) 970-6082, suggesting there may be more to uncover in this troubling case.