Augusta Mayor Jeff Collins was taken into custody by Arkansas State Police special agents on Thursday and is facing charges of property theft.
An investigation into allegations of misappropriated funds within the City of Augusta was launched by authorities in March. An audit has uncovered some troubling findings, including possible instances of theft, that occurred from January 2020 to December 2022.
An arrest was ordered by the prosecutor after auditors discovered evidence of theft. A 61-year-old man was taken to the Woodruff County Detention Center, but he was released on his own recognizance without having to pay bond.
Mark Collins is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on October 15th.
In June 2024, a group of nine individuals from Augusta filed a lawsuit against the mayor, seeking his removal.
