Faulkner County Administrator Jeff Johnston pleaded innocent to a felony theft-of-property charge in Faulkner County Circuit Court under Judge Rhonda Wood on Wednesday.
Johnston, 37, of Conway, has been accused of using county funds to apply asphalt to the driveway at his home in 2008, according to Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland. The amount of county funds used to pave the driveway totaled $3,859.54.
Hiland said the investigation began by the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office in November 2008 and was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2009. After nearly three years, no action was taken by federal agencies, and the case was returned to the state level. He said that the reason the case was returned was because “this particular type of theft of property was better pursued at the state level.”
Hiland said the investigation revealed that county funds were used at Johnston’s address and that Johnston and former Faulkner County Civil Attorney Stephan Hawks attempted to cover it up through a newly made receipt for the materials initially charged to the county and a donation to the county road fund in the exact dollar amount of the asphalt used.
Theft of property of county funds constitutes a Class “B” felony and is punishable by up to 5-20 years in prison.
Johnston still holds his position with the county.
A pretrial hearing was set for 1 p.m. on Oct. 10.
Comments (5)
Add comment"Johnston still holds his
"Johnston still holds his position with the county."
One thing you can say about the county judge, he's loyal to his people no matter how bad they make him look.
Say!
Has Johnston already been convicted? According to the article his pre-trial is in October. Just because he has been charged with a crime, doesn't mean he is guilty. There is no reason for him to not continue his job.
I didn't say he was guilty or
I didn't say he was guilty or innocent, only that the county judge has not been well served by some of his people.
Actually, there is a very compelling case that he should at least be put on administrative leave. If, for example, your child was in a daycare center and a child care provider was accused with creditable evidence they were abusing children would you want them to continue to work with your child until the legal system ran it's course? Personal use of taxpayer dollars is not an insignificant charge.
Guilty or Innocent
From a previous report according to interviews the guy that did the paving asked them what to do about the asphalt and the answer was what we always do charge it to the county.
He would be innocent only if he would have accept thoes charges and paid the county back then not have his buddy make a donation.
My money is still on a plea deal like the Mayor of Mt Vernon got.
well
"My money is still on a plea deal like the Mayor of Mt Vernon got."
And some of your money is in his driveway.
Assumptions....
"And some of your money is in his driveway."
You're assuming BuzzBy pays his taxes. We all know how much of a rebel he can be.
well
As much drinking as he talks about doing, he's probably paid some alcohol tax at least once in his life.
I Find
This sort of discussion rather taxing!!!
:-P
Guilty when work was done!
This is most likely an Open and Shut Case. If he did not pay for the asphalt before or when the work was done (if the county was charged for the materials), then he is guilty - no matter what occurred a day or more later.
Administrative leave seems reasonable. You do not keep a person charged in such a responsible position where he can do more mischief. You do the sane no matter if the person is innocent - until the case is finally closed.
He should not be offered any deal! This is a serious crime that he is charged with.