Former residential
center workers
face abuse charges
WARREN -- Two former workers at a state-run residential center in southeast Arkansas have been arrested on felony abuse charges after authorities say they used excessive force and an unsafe restraint method with a resident.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Jimmie Bradley and Nicholas Stephens were arrested last month in connection with the August 2016 confrontation with a 50-year-old resident at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center in Warren.
Both 32-year-old men face charges of abuse of an impaired person. Bond is set at $3,000 each.
The center is one of five state-run residential facilities for people with developmental disabilities.
Investigators with the state attorney general allege a video recording shows Bradley raising his arm several times "in a striking motion" while he and Stephens held the resident facedown at the facility.
Investigators say Bradley and Stephens acknowledge they held the resident in authorized restraint for an excessive amount of time.
Circuit judge accused
of not paying taxes agrees to resign
LITTLE ROCK -- A suspended Arkansas judge accused of not filing or paying his taxes for several years has agreed to resign from the bench.
The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission said Friday that Saline County Circuit Judge Bobby McCallister will resign, effective Dec. 15. The panel says it unanimously accepted McCallister's agreement to step down.
Prosecutors say McCallister failed to pay or file taxes from 2012 to 2014 and in 2016. He's been charged with four felony counts of failing to pay or file taxes.
The Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission said McCallister was "candid" and cooperative with the panel during its investigation.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson will appoint a replacement to the position.
State Desk on 11/18/2017