Republican Benton County judge nominee arrested, facing battery and assault charges
McCollum faces three charges after the arrest, and Republican leaders withdrew endorsements while calling on him to resign.
- State Representative Austin McCollum, a candidate for Benton County judge, was arrested Saturday on charges of aggravated assault, domestic battery, and first-degree false imprisonment after deputies booked him into the Benton County Jail early that morning.
- A probable cause affidavit alleges McCollum attacked his wife at their home, punching her and restricting her airway during an argument; a family member called 911, prompting law enforcement response.
- House Speaker Brian Evans stripped McCollum of all leadership positions, while Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin demanded his immediate resignation from the Legislature and withdrawal from the county judge's race.
- McCollum was released Sunday after posting a $10,000 bond, with an arraignment scheduled for September 8 before Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green; state law limits ballot replacement to death, serious illness, or relocation.
- As the sole candidate slated for the November 3 election, McCollum faces significant legal peril; felony convictions prevent holding office in Arkansas, and the Republican Party must fill any vacancy at least 76 days before the general election.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Republican Benton County judge candidate, State Rep. Austin McCollum arrested
Arkansas State Rep. Austin McCollum, who won the Republican primary for Benton County judge, has been arrested. According to 5NEWS in northwest Arkansas, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that McCollum was booked into jail on Aug. 1 for aggravated assault, third-degree domestic battering, and first-degree false imprisonment. McCollum has served as a representative in the state legislature since 2017. He currently represents Arkansas H…
Arkansas GOP State Rep. Faces Resignation Calls After Arrest Over Alleged Attack on Wife
Arkansas State Rep. Austin McCollum (R) was arrested Saturday on charges including aggravated assault, first-degree false imprisonment, and domestic battering, prompting bipartisan calls from state and federal officials for him to resign from office and end his campaign for Benton County judge. McCollum, who has served in the Arkansas House since 2017, won the Republican...
Arkansas GOP Leader Accused Of Domestic Abuse
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports: State Rep. Austin McCollum was booked into the Benton County Jail at 2:13 a.m. Saturday after being accused of aggravated assault, false imprisonment and domestic battery. By Saturday evening, he was facing numerous calls from within his own party to resign his seat in the state Legislature and withdraw from the …
Morgan County Citizen
arkansasadvocate.comArkansas GOP state Rep. Austin McCollum arrested on domestic battering charges
Republican state Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested Saturday on domestic battering charges, prompting Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to call for his resignation and House Speaker Brian Evans to strip his leadership positions. McCollum was being held without bond in…
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