3 days ago
Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse after multi-agency investigation
SHARP COUNTY, Ark. – According to officials with the Sharp County Sheriff's Office, Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose has been arrested following a multi-agency investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.
According to a release from the SCSO, Sheriff Shane Russell received information regarding serious allegations involving Rose on March 31 and the agency launched an investigation.
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Investigators said that during initial interviews, information received appeared unsubstantiated, but after interviewing the alleged victim and her family, they were told about incidents and forms of abuse that had not been previously reported.
The SCSO requested assistance from external agencies to ensure transparency and impartiality by calling in officials from the Arkansas State Police and Homeland Security Investigations to assist in the investigation.
According to the release, shortly thereafter, FBI officials contacted Sheriff Russell and Lieutenant Buchanan regarding a related report and a joint multi-agency investigation was launched.
The release said that as a result of the investigation, Rose was arrested on Monday and is facing charges of sexual assault in the second degree, sexual indecency with a child, endangering the welfare of a minor and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor.
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In the release, Russell extended his gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance throughout the investigation.
The sheriff also included a statement in the release thanking the FBI, ASP and Homeland Security officials for their assistance in the investigation:
'I would like to take this opportunity to publicly extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their exceptional professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout the recent investigation conducted in Sharp County.
Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process. Each agency brought a high level of expertise and integrity to this case, and their coordinated work reflects the very best of law enforcement collaboration.
This case underscores the critical importance of interagency cooperation, especially when addressing allegations of such a serious and sensitive nature. The successful handling of this matter would not have been possible without the strength of those partnerships and the shared commitment to justice.
On behalf of the Sharp County Sheriff's Office, I thank these agencies for their outstanding service and continued dedication to protecting our communities.
Sheriff Shane Russell
Sharp County Sheriff's Office'
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