Ex-store manager pleads guilty to embezzlement

The former manager of Best Buy in Hot Springs pleaded guilty Tuesday in Garland County Circuit Court to embezzling more than $4,000 from the store last year through fraudulent transactions.

Travis Cordae Sheard, 30, of Hot Springs, pleaded guilty to theft of property more than $1,000, punishable by up to six years in prison, and was sentenced to five years’ probation, fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $420 in court costs and restitution of $4,064.56.

Sheard, who had no prior criminal history, was sentenced under Act 346, so if he successfully completes his probation and pays all the required fines, costs and restitution he will be eligible to have the charge expunged.

According to the affidavit, on Nov. 3, 2016, the loss prevention officer at Best Buy, 1462 Higdon Ferry Road, filed a complaint with Hot Springs police reporting thefts which occurred between June 30 and Oct. 31, 2016, which he alleged

Springs, lying in the driveway of 309 Linwood with gunshot wounds, police said in an earlier news release.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Littles’ ex-wife told officers Littles had gone to 311 Linwood in his black Dodge Charger, parked in front of the residence and fired four to five shots at White before fleeing in his vehicle.

LifeNet responded to the scene and transported White to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, where he later underwent surgery. Cpl. Kirk Zaner said White was listed in “serious condition” on Monday.

The Charger was later stopped by Garland County sheriff’s deputies and Arkansas State Police at the Shell Station, 3039 Albert Pike Road, and Littles was transported to the police department where detective Mark Fallis interviewed him.

Littles reportedly said he went to the Linwood address earlier that evening and, while he was there, he and White got into an argument. During the argument, Littles claimed he removed a handgun from his side and held it behind his back.

He said he left the scene, but returned to speak with White again. When he arrived, White approached the vehicle to confront Littles about pulling a gun on him.

Littles reportedly said that moments later he heard gunshots and thought White was attempting to shoot at him. He said he pulled his weapon and fired several times in White’s direction and then fled.