High diesel bills prompt Ashdown fireman’s arrest

Ashdown Assistant Fire Chief Wes Redfearn, 41, was arrested Monday on a charge of theft of property over accusations he was stealing diesel fuel and filling up his personal truck.

The warrant affidavit alleges the total amount illegally charged to the city was $2,537.36.

Redfearn was served with the arrest affidavit Monday by Arkansas State Police Special Agent Hays McWhirter. The theft charge has been filed in the Little River County circuit clerk’s office at the Ashdown courthouse.

Ashdown Fire Chief Steve Jones contacted McWhirter about Redfearn, who authorities said was filling up his personal vehicle with diesel fuel and charging it to the city.

Redfearn is reportedly in charge of filling up the firetrucks after a call. Authorities said he also was filling up his personal truck at Red River Oil in Ashdown.

McWhirter interviewed Redfearn, who said he was having “financial pressure from a recent divorce,” the affidavit states.

According to the affidavit, Redfearn started the fuel theft in July. He also said he continued the practice until October, when he was confronted by Jones and admitted to Jones he was taking the diesel, the affidavit said.

“We saw the bills were abnormally high. We saw it happening quickly and put a stop to it,” Jones said.

Redfearn has been a volunteer firefighter for about 10 years.

He is scheduled for a first appearance Jan. 7 in Little River County Circuit Court before Circuit Judge Tom Cooper.

Redfearn was suspended from the Fire Department Nov. 3 pending the investigation, Jones said. “It’s disheartening,” he said. Theft of property worth more than $2,500 is a Class D felony with a potential sentence of up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Al Smith said.

Redfearn was released from custody on his own recognizance.