State investigates ex-police chief

A special investigatory unit of the Arkansas State Police is looking into allegations of theft and fraud by the former Hardy police chief after a request was made by 3rd Judicial District Prosecuor Henry Boyce.

Boyce of Newport asked for the state police investigation of Scott Rose on Feb. 15 after Hardy Mayor Jason Jackson said he had proof constituting “felonious conduct.”

Jackson fired Rose a few weeks after Jackson was appointed mayor in January. Hardy is in Sharp and Fulton counties. Rose, a former Jonesboro police officer and son of former Hardy Police Chief Ernie Rose, was hired as Hardy’s chief in February 2016.

Tamara Taylor, who served as the assistant chief under Rose, was named interim police chief after Rose was fired.

Jackson said in January that Rose falsified an insurance claim, listing Taylor as the driver on an accident report when police logs showed she was off duty at the time. City Attorney Hollie Greenway said last month officials were also investigating “several other accusations of wrongdoing” against Rose.

A Louisiana-based collection company also reportedly notified Jackson it was investigating Rose’s business, CDS Marketing, accusing Rose of failing to reimburse an emergency equipment company $25,000 for products he ordered.

Rose has said he planned to repay the money.

In his letter to the state police, Boyce wrote Jackson informed him of the mayor’s claims against Rose.

“The allegations vary but specifically involve theft and fraud,” Boyce wrote in the letter to Capt. Mark Hollingsworth. “Due to the obvious conflict local authorities would have investigating this municipality, I respectfully request the State Police open an investigation herein.”

Boyce wasn’t available for comment Tuesday.

Jackson didn’t return calls left Tuesday at Hardy City Hall.