By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
An Arkansas State Trooper known locally for his work with Special Olympics is being investigated for alleged theft from the non-profit group.
Captain Nathanial Jackson, commander of Arkansas State Police Troop D in Forrest City, confirmed today that former ASP Corporal Howard Smith is being investigated for possible theft.
"We do have an ongoing criminal investigation on him, and we're looking into whether or not he may have improperly handled Special Olympic funds," Jackson said in a prepared statement. He could not comment on how much money may be missing.
"Some troopers are involved in collections and soliciting funds for Special Olympics. We're looking into whether or not he turned in all of the money he collected from citizens," Jackson said. "We started looking into it on Jan. 23."
The investigation into the alleged missing money is being conducted by the criminal investigation division of the ASP's Little Rock headquarters.
According to Jackson, Smith, a 27-year veteran of the ASP, resigned from his position with the agency, effective Jan. 31. "It was a combination of both retiring and resigning. He will draw his retirement," Jackson said.
"I'm not allowed to say anything else on it because it is an open investigation," Jackson added.
With the recent weather, it's hard to believe that spring time is just around the corner, and with spring comes baseball and softball season. Catrece Davis said that sign-up for spring leagues started last Monday and will continue through March 3 at Forrest City City Hall