Hot Springs, Arkansas – A former elected sheriff from Malvern has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after admitting he intentionally misled federal investigators during an active narcotics probe. The sentencing, delivered by Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs, also includes three years of supervised release following prison time.
According to federal court documents, Derek “Scott” Finkbeiner, 47, was elected Sheriff of Hot Spring County in January 2023. Within months of taking office, federal agents became aware of his involvement with illicit drugs, specifically crack cocaine and methamphetamine. By May 2023, investigators had documented his illegal drug use, placing the sheriff himself under scrutiny.
Efforts to Mislead Federal Investigators
The case took a more serious turn in August 2023 when Finkbeiner learned of a federal investigation targeting his own drug supplier. Rather than cooperate, he engaged in a deliberate scheme to divert federal attention away from his personal dealer. Between August 19 and August 24, 2023, Finkbeiner intentionally concealed material facts from the FBI about the true extent of his relationship with the subject of their investigation.
Court records confirm that Finkbeiner admitted to being present at the supplier’s residence while the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics. During that time, he also admitted that he “smoked” crack cocaine and methamphetamine with the supplier. When confronted by investigators, he further acknowledged that he lied about the nature of his and the Hot Spring County Sheriff Department’s relationship with the supplier, hoping to persuade the FBI to abandon its investigation.
A Fall from Public Office
The former sheriff’s conviction represents a significant breach of public trust, as Finkbeiner’s actions not only involved illegal drug use but also an attempt to obstruct a federal narcotics investigation. His two-year prison sentence underscores the seriousness of deceiving federal investigators, particularly by an elected law enforcement official sworn to uphold the law.
Following his release from prison, Finkbeiner will be under three years of supervised release, during which he will be monitored for compliance.
