Pine Bluff, Arkansas – A former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy surrendered at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center on Sept. 3 after an Arkansas State Police investigation resulted in several criminal charges connected to his previous employment.
Charles Clark faces charges of breaking or entering, abuse of public trust, and theft of property. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the allegations involve Clark’s earlier employment with the Pine Bluff Police Department and concern alleged conduct that occurred before he joined the sheriff’s office.
Clark is no longer employed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said he submitted his resignation on Aug. 6, several weeks before he surrendered at the detention center.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it remains committed to professionalism, integrity and accountability among employees who are given the responsibility of serving the public.
Sheriff addresses allegations against former deputy
Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. said the allegations were not connected to Clark’s time with his agency but stressed that accusations involving members of law enforcement are treated seriously.
“The public places a tremendous amount of trust in those who wear the badge and we recognize the responsibility that comes with that trust,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “While these allegations do not involve Clark’s employment with our agency, we take any criminal allegation involving a member of law enforcement seriously. At the same time, we respect the judicial process and Clark’s right to due process as this matter proceeds through the courts.”
The criminal investigation was conducted by the Arkansas State Police rather than the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Because the sheriff’s office is not the investigating agency, officials said questions concerning the details of the criminal investigation should be directed to Arkansas State Police.
The sheriff’s office did not provide additional details about the specific conduct that led to the charges beyond stating that the allegations originated from Clark’s previous employment with the Pine Bluff Police Department.
Clark’s surrender on Sept. 3 followed the investigation and resulting charges of breaking or entering, abuse of public trust and theft of property.
Woods also addressed Clark’s departure from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and reiterated that the agency intends to allow the court process to move forward.
“Mr. Clark submitted his resignation from our agency and we will respect the judicial process as this case moves forward,” Woods said. “Our commitment to the citizens of Jefferson County and to maintaining their trust remains unchanged.”
The charges against Clark are allegations at this stage. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said it remains focused on maintaining the public’s trust while holding to the standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability expected from those serving the community.
