Press Releases

Attorney General Alert: Buyer Beware of Door-to-Door Meat Sales

Arkansas Attorney General sent this bulletin at 01/19/2022 03:55 PM CST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2022 Contact: Amanda Priest Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223 Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov Attorney General Alert: Buyer Beware of Door-to-Door Meat Sales Says, 'Arkansans should be cautious when purchasing food products from door-to-door salesmen' LITTLE ROCK -- Shopping at home can be a safe and convenient way to make necessary purchases, especially for older adults, stay-at-home parents, and people with chronic health conditions that make it difficult to leave the home. Most grocery shopping from home occurs over the internet with delivery or curbside pickup orders, but some consumers make purchases from sellers who come to their doors. While purchases from licensed door-to-door sellers can be safe, questionably sourced meats may be low quality or rancid. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging Arkansans to use caution when making door-to-door purchases. "Arkansans should be cautious when purchasing food products from door-to-door salesmen," said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "There are many individuals who try to resell old meat in order to turn a profit." Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe while considering meat purchases: Know your municipality's laws on door-to-door selling. If your municipality requires a permit to sell products door-to-door, ask to see the salesperson's license to sell. Look up business reviews with your local Better Business Bureau to read any complaints about the seller. Be informed. Ask for a brochure or other literature from the company and read it carefully. If you aren't sure about the sourcing and distribution of the meat, reconsider making a purchase. Don't buy anything out of a truck or car trunk that isn't refrigerated. Unrefrigerated meat may be unsafe to consume. Check for USDA grading information on the product. Every package should have a USDA seal of inspection, along with a label identifying the cut, ingredients, and net weight. If you believe that the seller is attempting to pressure or intimidate you into making a purchase instead of allowing you to make an informed decision, think about what the seller is trying to hide and consider not making a purchase. Get a receipt. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Cooling-Off Rule gives purchasers three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in your home. The salesperson must orally inform you of your cancellation rights, provide two copies of a cancellation form, and a copy of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must contain the date of the sale, the name and address of the seller, and an explanation of the buyer's right to cancel. Always keep your receipt in case you need to cancel the purchase or contact the seller. For additional information about meat safety, visit the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Services website (www.fsis.usda.gov) or call the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline (1-888-674-6854). If you wish to file a complaint against a door-to-door seller with the Attorney General's office, you can do so by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting ArkansasAG.gov. About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves on committees for Consumer Protection, Criminal Law and Veterans Affairs for the National Association of Attorneys General. She also served as the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association. A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.

Attorney General Alert: Trust But Verify Internet Sales and Auctions

Arkansas Attorney General sent this bulletin at 01/10/2022 03:13 PM CST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2022 Contact: Amanda Priest Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223 Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov Attorney General Alert: Trust But Verify Internet Sales and Auctions Says, 'Arkansans should be vigilant when making online purchases' LITTLE ROCK - Many Arkansans enjoy saving money after the holidays by shopping after-Christmas sales online, including social media marketplaces, internet classifieds and internet auction websites. While these platforms allow for ease of commerce and often feel like shopping from a friend instead of a retailer, they are also a hotbed for scammers who exploit that sense of community. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging Arkansans to use caution on auction-style sites, classifieds and in marketplaces because they may present opportunities for scam artists. "Arkansans should be vigilant when making online purchases," said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "There are many bad actors around the world seeking to steal and defraud hardworking individuals who do not research the site or item being purchased." Consumers looking to make online purchases from social media, online auction platforms or online classifieds can follow these tips to ensure that they are safe when online shopping: Know the website that you are using. Know the terms and conditions. Know what you are bidding on or purchasing before you make your offer. Beware of counterfeit goods. Ask for additional photos of the item to make sure the seller has the item. Purchase the item through a website that offers protections to buyers and sellers. Use the most secure payment option for the transaction. Debit cards and credit cards offer more security than cash, check, wire transfers, or other online payment methods. Many payment methods offer buyer protections or allow users to dispute charges. Keep all copies of your transaction information, including correspondence with the buyer or seller. Do not give out your social security number, driver's license number, or your date of birth. Beware of cashier's checks. Often fraudulent cashier's checks are used in scams. If buying a product locally, meet at a designated public location. Often times, police departments and Sheriff's offices serve as well-lit and safer public exchanges. Beware of work-from-home opportunities and "business opportunities" listed in online classified ads. If you are told that you will make a lot of money without much effort, it is likely a scam. For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, visit ArkansasAG.gov, email Consumer@ArkansasAG.gov, or call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 482-8982. About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves on committees for Consumer Protection, Criminal Law and Veterans Affairs for the National Association of Attorneys General. She also served as the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association. A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.

Press Release Stone County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Lance Bonds

01-06-2022

 

                According to Chief Deputy Dammon McGilton with the Stone County Sheriff's Department, he along with other investigators and deputies investigated a child maltreatment case on January 2, 2022.  On January 2, 2022, at approximately 3:44 a.m., Deputies Trevor Leonard and Brian Rose responded to a call of a child sitting in the traffic lane of Highway 14 East near St. James.  The autistic child had health issues and had nothing on but a shirt and a diaper.  The temperature was 21 degrees and snowing.  Deputies called for an ambulance and the child was transported to the Stone County Medical Center.  The child was treated and later released into Department of Children and Family Services custody. 

                Deputies were familiar with the family and responded to the residence.  This was the third incident involving this child.  Upon arrival to the residence, deputies observed the front door standing open and just inside the front door, Phillip KRONK and Emma KRONK were lying on a mattress in the floor.  It took a while for deputies to awaken them.  After further investigation, they were both under the influence of narcotics and alcohol.  Marijuana was also recovered at that time.  Both EMMA and Phillip KRONK were taken into custody and transported to the Stone County Detention Center. 

                On January 3, 2022, the investigation continued.  Chief Deputy McGilton released that the Sheriff's Department, Crimes Against Children, DHS, and a member of the 16th DTF went to the residence with a search warrant for narcotics and child maltreatment.  Investigators located numerous items of marijuana and methamphetamine drug paraphernalia. 

                On January 5, 2022, arrest warrants were issued and signed by Circuit Judge Tim Weaver for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person in the First Degree, a Class D Felony; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Purpose to Use Crystal Meth First Offense, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Possession of Marijuana, a Class A Misdemeanor.  Bond was set at $10, 000.00 each.  The case is still under investigation.              

Attorney General Alert: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this New Year

Arkansas Attorney General sent this bulletin at 12/30/2021 10:50 AM CST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 30, 2021 Contact: Amanda Priest Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223 Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov Attorney General Alert: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this New Year Says, 'Arkansans should enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly' LITTLE ROCK - While this time of year often includes family, friends, and festivities, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging all Arkansans to enjoy the holiday season safely and responsibly. Every day in the United States, 28 people die from drunk driving. In 2019, over 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving accidents.   "Arkansas is a zero tolerance state for drinking and driving and when you get behind the wheel impaired you are putting other families at risk," said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "Arkansans should enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly and know that they must drive sober or face getting pulled over." For those choosing to celebrate the New Year, Arkansas State Police recommends: Have a designated sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol. If you don't have a designated driver and you've been drinking, call a taxi, Uber, Lyft or someone who is sober to drive you home. If you know someone who is about to drive, operate a motorcycle, or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely. Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver. Always call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver on the road. Arkansans convicted of driving while intoxicated face license suspension or revocation, fines, and even jail time. For more information on other safety-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982. About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves on committees for Consumer Protection, Criminal Law and Veterans Affairs for the National Association of Attorneys General. She also served as the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association. A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.

AG Alert: All I Want for Christmas is You (to Avoid Holiday Scams)

Arkansas Attorney General sent this bulletin at 11/23/2021 11:51 AM CST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 23, 2021 Contact: Amanda Priest Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223 Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov AG Alert: All I Want for Christmas is You (to Avoid Holiday Scams) Says, 'it is important for Arkansans to do their research before giving to organizations that claim to do good will' LITTLE ROCK - The holidays bring out the best in Arkansans, but there are some who try to take advantage of kind hearts by posing as charitable organizations to help Arkansans in need during the holiday season. Unfortunately, con artists will recycle tried-and-true scams and target unsuspecting consumers. Scam artists often solicit donations using charity names that are slightly different from the names of legitimate charities to trick consumers. Additionally, the scammers use a sense of urgency to push consumers into quickly donating without allowing consumers time to ask questions about the cause. "Whether it's veterans in need, or a local food bank, Arkansans are known for being some of the most generous people on earth, especially during the holidays," said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "While the holiday season traditionally lends itself to an increase in charitable giving, it is important for Arkansans to do their research before giving to organizations that claim to do good will." Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers give to only legitimate charities: Do not fall prey to high-pressure sales tactics as they are often the first sign of an unscrupulous and fraudulent charity. Make attempts to determine the validity of an organization by conducting research before getting out a checkbook or credit card in response to a phone solicitation. Personal information could fall into the wrong hands, or the scammers could use it to steal money or identity. Get the organization's name, address, website and phone number, or give directly to a known nonprofit of choice. Make sure the nonprofit organization is registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State. Use GuideStar.org to compare nonprofit organizations and to get more information. Ask the organization how it will spend donations. Watch out for similar but different organization names as some con artists will use names similar to those of existing, reputable nonprofits in order to trick consumers. Never send cash. Make check or credit card payments for increased security and tax purposes. If donating via text message, verify the organization's number prior to sending information. For more information about other common scams and consumer-related issues, please call the Arkansas Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov. About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves on committees for Consumer Protection, Criminal Law and Veterans Affairs for the National Association of Attorneys General. She also served as the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association. A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.

    On November 18, 2021, Deputy Nathan Masterson and Deputy Rose stopped a vehicle for a tail light out on highway 5 south. Upon making contact with the driver, Deputy Masterson learned that the driver had a warrant and had been smoking marijuana.  The driver is identified as Elia TOLOMEO, age 40, of Little Rock, Arkansas.  Deputy Masterson located approximately 2 grams of marijuana in the vehicle as well as a meth pipe containing approximately a quarter of a gram of Crystal Meth.  TOLOMEO was transported to the Stone County Detention Center where he is charged with possession of meth less than 2 grams, a Class "D" Felony, Possession of Marijuana, a Class "A" Misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class "A" Misdemeanor.  His bond was set at $2,500.00.              

Chief Deputy McGilton expressed his gratitude toward all the agencies and noted that it's very important in our small county that we all join together to make this county a safer place.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

    On November 18, 2021 at approximately 7:15 a.m., members of the Stone County Sheriff's Department, Mountain View Police Department, and 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a Narcotic Search Warrant at the residence of Aaron J. CHRISTOPHER on Lancaster Avenue in Mountain View, AR. This was after an investigation by the Sheriff's Department and Police Department.  Upon execution of the warrant, investigators located approximately two grams of Dimethyltryptamine, (Known as DMT or Bath Salts), which is a Schedule I Narcotic and eight hits of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, (LSD), a Schedule I Narcotic.  There were also digital scales, baggies, other drug paraphernalia, and marijuana located in the residence.  CHRISTOPHER was transported to the Stone County Detention Center and is charged with Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance DMT with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance LSD with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Marijuana less than 14 grams with Purpose to Deliver, and Maintaining a Drug Premises within a thousand feet of a church.  Bond was set at $20,000.00.  CHRISTOPHER is charged with two "B" Felonies, a "C" Felony, and a Class "A" Misdemeanor.

Chief Deputy McGilton expressed his gratitude toward all the agencies and noted that it's very important in our small county that we all join together to make this county a safer place.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

       

On November 17, 2021, at approximately 11:10a.m. Chief Deputy Dammon McGilton, Deputy Trevor Leonard, and Officer Kenny Francis along with drug task force agents were conducting a covert narcotics investigation in Mountain View.  At the conclusion of that investigation, authorities took Christopher R. MARTIN, age 44, of Mountain View into custody for possessing approximately 28 grams of Crystal Meth.  The arrest took place in an alley near the court square.  The methamphetamine was being transported to be distributed.  Task Force agents seized $3,098.00 of U.S. Currency from MARTIN.  The money is suspected proceeds from meth distribution and will go through the forfeiture procedure.  MARTIN is being charged with possession of Crystal Meth with the Purpose to Deliver over 10 but less than 200 grams, a Class A Felony.  The sentence of the "A" Felony carries a sentence of 10 to 30 years.  MARTIN'S bond was set at $15,000.00.

Chief Deputy McGilton expressed his gratitude toward all the agencies and noted that it's very important in our small county that we all join together to make this county a safer place. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

On November 16, 2021, at approximately 3:30 A.M., Deputies Dammon McGilton and Trevor Leonard responded to an active domestic in Fifty-Six, Arkansas.  Upon arrival, officers learned that a female victim had been beaten and strangled.  The female was transported by ambulance to the Stone County Medical Center where she was treated and released.  Deputies charged Kaleb L. MCCLAIN, age 46, of Fifty-Six with aggravated assault on a family or household member.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

11-18-2021

According to Chief Deputy Dammon McGilton of the Stone County Sheriff's Department, deputies, Mountain View City Police, Drug Task Force Agents, Arkansas Game and Fish Officers, and other agencies have been busy with investigations throughout Stone County over the last week. 

On November 14, 2021, Game and Fish Officers Corporal Chad Cruse, Sergeant John Crisman, and U.S. Forest Officer James Necessary investigated two hunters in the Sylamore-Ozark National Forest. Game and Fish Officers observed a hunter hunting just a few feet off the roadway in a pick-up.  They recognized the hunter to be Danny Joe BRAMLETT, age 60, of Clinton who is a convicted felon.  Contact was made with BRAMLETT and he was found to be in possession of two firearms.  BRAMLETT was arrested for possession of a firearm by a certain person.  He was also found to be in possession of a meth pipe which is his second offense.  BRAMLETT told officers that he got the firearms from his hunting buddy, Terry LOVELL, age 54, of Clinton.  LOVELL pulled up to the officers on a four-wheeler and admitted to giving the guns to BRAMLETT.  LOVELL was also found to be in possession of a meth pipe.  After further investigation, Officers learned that the two were camping just over into Baxter County.  The investigation continued and meth and other firearms were located in Baxter County by Baxter County Investigators.  The Stone County Sheriff's Department assisted in the filing of charges in this case.  BRAMLETT was charged in Stone County with a Class "C" and Class "D" Felony.  His bond was set at $5,000.  LOVELL was charged with two Class "A" Misdemeanors and cited with a court date.  Both were later transported to Baxter County on felony related drug charges.