Arkansas court: Ex-lawmaker eligible to run for sheriff after record sealed

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' highest court says a former state lawmaker who was barred from running for sheriff because of a misdemeanor conviction is now eligible after his record was sealed.

Justices Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that former state Rep. Josh Johnston is eligible to run for Cleburne County sheriff this year. Johnston, a Republican, was blocked from running from the same post two years ago because of a misdemeanor hot-check law violation in 1995.

After being blocked from that race, Johnston requested and was granted a request to seal his misdemeanor conviction. Justices upheld a lower court's ruling that sealing the record makes Johnston eligible to run for the seat.

Johnston served one term in the state House.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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