Message From The Sheriff
MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF
SHANE JONES  ( read )
Phone:
Emergency: 911
24 Hrs Non-Emergency:
479-968-2558
Detention Center:
479-968-5599
Crime Tips:
479-968-6545
Address:
#3 Emergency Lane
Russellville, AR 72802
Administrative Office Hours:
8:00am - 4:30pm M-F
08/04/2018

For Immediate Release

On the evening of Friday, August 3, 2018, an investigation was opened by the Russellville Police Department at the request of Pope County Sheriff, Shane Jones. Sheriff Jones had been informed of possible inappropriate sexual contact between a member of the sheriff’s staff and a current inmate being housed at the facility. As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that a second member of the staff also had inappropriate sexual contact with the same inmate.   As a result of the investigation, two female employees were immediately terminated and placed under arrest. One employee, Lauren Elliott, was arrested on charges of Sexual Assault 4th Degree and the second employee, Billie Tucker, was arrested on charges of Sexual Assault 4th Degree and Introducing Prohibited Articles into a Correctional Facility. Both will appear before Judge Don Bourne in felony bond hearings on Monday morning.

Sheriff Shane Jones is deeply saddened by the actions of his former employees. Sheriff Jones understands that the public trust is the most valuable thing a law enforcement agency can possess. He hopes that his quick action and response to these allegations demonstrates to the public that his employees are being held to the same standards as the public this agency serves. Sheriff Jones stated “I am heartbroken by the betrayal of two trusted employees and these actions will not be tolerated.”

The investigation is ongoing by the Russellville Police Department and the 5th Judicial Prosecuting Attorney and no other statement will be made at this time.