Cave Springs police chief fired; lack of confidence cited as reason for move

BENTONVILLE — Joe Powell was fired as Cave Springs police chief on Aug. 30, Mayor Travis Lee said.

Lee stressed the decision wasn’t based on a criminal investigation of Powell being done by Arkansas State Police in connection with sheriff’s commissions paperwork. The firing was based on not having confidence in Powell’s ability to be police chief, Lee said.

“I think it is the best decision for all of us,” Lee said. “I wish him the best.”

Powell recently was suspended with pay, but Lee didn’t give a reason for the suspension. Lee said he was doing a internal investigation, but suspended the investigation after the case was referred to the State Police.

Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith requested State Police investigate a case concerning whether Powell tampered with public records.

Smith’s letter revealed the case concerned commissions issued by Sheriff Meyer Gilbert.

Gilbert learned Aug. 17 several unauthorized appointment forms had been presented at the Sheriff’s Office to obtain deputy sheriff commission cards, according to Smith’s letter. The appointment forms authorized county commissions for Cave Springs officers Nathan Coy, Gary Crews, Jeff Ward and Scott Hammersla. The officers told Sheriff’s Office staff Powell had given them the forms, according to Smith’s letter.

Gilbert examined the appointment forms and noticed they appeared to be copies of authorized appointment forms he issued, but with another officer’s name inserted, according to the letter. The appointment forms had been filed with the Benton County Circuit Clerk. Gilbert didn’t issue the commissions, according to Smith’s letter.

A sheriff’s commission gives police officers county jurisdiction when needed. There is no extra pay for a commission.

Bill Sadler, spokesman for the State Police, said the investigation is active.

Powell, 44, was hired as police chief in December 2015 following the resignation of Michael Caudill. He has worked for law enforcement agencies in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. Powell worked for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy from 2000 to 2006.

Sgt. Rick Crisman will be in charge of the Police Department until a new chief is hired, Lee said.

Lee said he will assist with some of administrative duties. Lee, a former police officer, said he has no intentions of acting as police chief.

Lee didn’t have a timeline for hiring a new police chief.

“We just have to find the right one,” Lee said.