Benton County Sheriff Kelley Cradduck has been arrested on charges of tampering with a public record, a felony; and tampering, a misdemeanor.
Cradduck had a court hearing Tuesday afternoon at the Benton County Jail in front of Circuit Judge Brad Karren. He was released on his own recognizance.
Drew Miller, Cradduck's attorney, declined to comment.
Jason Barrett was appointed special prosecutor after allegations that Cradduck tried to backdate pay for a jail employee. Barrett was at the hearing but declined to comment.
Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford served briefly as interim sheriff Tuesday, but Cradduck had resumed his role shortly after the hearing.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.