AG targets metal theft
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Tuesday that her office has launched a metal theft prevention program in an effort to abate the rise in thefts of metal across the state.
“We have trained 35 agencies in nine cities across the state and have had great results,” Rutledge said during a presentation at the 48th annual Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Rutledge said law enforcement officials have recently voiced concerns about the growing problem of metal theft.
“It’s a rampant problem which affects farmers, utility companies and their customers, churches, schools and businesses that have been hit by one of the thieves.
“Using LeadsOnline our officers take time to sit down and make sure law enforcement off icers understand what is available and what is required of scrap dealers. They also teach scrap dealers what is required so that they know the law. It is my firm belief that if no one is buying stolen metal, the thieves will eventually stop stealing material,” she said.
Rutledge said all police departments handle calls every day that are more pressing and troubling than metal thefts, but the departments that have taken the training have been successful in solving commercial burglaries and other cases.
Giving a brief overview of some of the departments within the attorney general’s office, Rutledge said the Cyber Crimes Investigating Unit stands ready to assist police departments, if needed.
“We could have all 174 people in the AG’s office investigating Internet crimes against children and it wouldn’t be enough. Let us know if there is any additional training we can do and our officers will be glad to help. These crimes, whether metal thefts, cyber crimes, scams or con artists, know no boundaries. The criminals don’t care if the victim is in West Memphis, Gravette or Hope, and they cross all boundaries — geographical and residential. These crimes and criminals do not care, so we must work together and share resources to combat them,” she said.
Rutledge also said there has been an uptick in Medicaid fraud arrests, which means “we’re cracking down on more of these criminals, but also because we have added sworn officers to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. They have made 15 arrests this year, and have had 19 prosecutions.”
She also said she has been asked to issue an opinion on Arkansas Act 746 which made technical corrections to the law concerning the possession of a handgun and other weapons in certain places.
“I’ve received many phone calls regarding this over the past couple of years from individuals with questions and concerns. Unfortunately, I can’t go too in depth because I haven’t issued an opinion, but we are researching, looking, working and talking to prosecutors and so forth about this,” she said.
She said she not only wears the hat of the chief law enforcement officer in the state but the chief legal officer and she takes both responsibilities very seriously.
“I look at all officers as brothers and sisters- in- law enforcement and if there are laws such as this one, or any other, that you would like to see changed, I encourage you to speak to your legislators. During the past legislative session, they were aware, and you were aware, that this issue was out there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t taken up during the session to clarify it, so that is why we have the issue hanging out there and I’ve been asked for an opinion on it. Make sure those who write the laws hear you,” she said.
Following the presentation, Rutledge told The Sentinel-Record she could not comment on whether the Hot Springs Police Department might have a conflict in handling the investigation into the death of Judge Wade Naramore’s son instead of turning it over to the Arkansas State Police, since it was an ongoing investigation.
The 18- month- old boy died July 24 as a result of being left in a hot car for an undetermined length of time.
As to whether a Freedom of Information Act request by the newspaper for a copy of the 911 tape regarding the incident should have been excluded from disclosure, Rutledge said that was a question that should be posed to the city attorney.
“I would visit the city attorney and ask whether or not it should have been excluded, and under what exemption that falls,” she said.