Special prosecutor reviewing case file concerning Centerton police

BENTONVILLE — A special prosecutor is reviewing the case file concerning the Centerton Police Department, but he didn’t have a time frame to complete his investigation.

Jack McQuary said he received the file last week. “It’s under investigation,” McQuary said Tuesday. “I cannot speak about it at this time.”

McQuary was assigned as a special prosecutor to decide whether to pursue criminal charges against Centerton Police Chief Cody Harper and Capt. Kristopher Arthur.

McQuary received his appointment after Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith recused from the case. Smith asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate issues with the department last year.

McQuary said he hopes to move quickly with the investigation.

Smith said the State Police’s investigation of the officers relates to financial transactions and the use of police property.

Harper and Arthur were fired in May, but then rehired and placed on administrative leave. The two are still on leave with pay.

Harper makes $67,871 per year and Arthur’s salary is $60,373, according to Brian Rabal, Centerton city attorney.

The city hired David Williams, a retired state auditor, to look at the finances of the Police Department and its policies and procedures, according to documents from the city. The documents didn’t specify reasons for the review.

Lt. Anthony Keck was put in charge of the department after Harper and Arthur were placed on leave.

Smith said the State Police’s investigation concluded Centerton police didn’t violate the state’s speed trap law.