Interim Benton County sheriff announces command changes

Robert Clinard (left), Benton County judge, administers the oath of office to Meyer Gilbert who will serve as sheriff for the remainder of Kelley Cradduck's term. Cradduck resigned after being charged with felony tampering with a public record and misdemeanor tampering. He was arrested Jan. 19. Cradduck has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Robert Clinard (left), Benton County judge, administers the oath of office to Meyer Gilbert who will serve as sheriff for the remainder of Kelley Cradduck's term. Cradduck resigned after being charged with felony tampering with a public record and misdemeanor tampering. He was arrested Jan. 19. Cradduck has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

BENTONVILLE — Meyer Gilbert, interim Benton County sheriff, announced changes to the command staff Wednesday.

Gilbert said he wanted to start at the top, so he felt it was important to put together a command staff to lead the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Gilbert was sworn in last week to replace disgraced former Sheriff Kelley Cradduck. Cradduck resigned from office and was placed on six months probation for instructing some employees at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to lie during an investigation by the Arkansas State Police.

Shawn Holloway is Gilbert’s chief deputy and the Republican nominee on the ballot in November for sheriff. He'll face Glenn Latham, and independent.

Robert Bersi is the major over operations, and Jeremy Guyll is the major over administration and jail. Guyll was the captain over the Benton County Jail. Lynn Hahn is now the jail captain, according to Gilbert. Hahn was a major at the Sheriff’s Office.

Richie Conner, who was the chief deputy for Cradduck, was reassigned to a Detective II position in the criminal investigation division.

Harold Gage, who was a major, is now the administration lieutenant, and Charles Robbins, who was a lieutenant, is now a sergeant in narcotics.

Kenny Paul and Adam Howard switched positions. Paul was the captain of the criminal investigation division for Cradduck and Howard was captain of the special operations division. Paul is now captain of special operations and Howard is captain of criminal investigation division.

Capt. Andy Lee is still the captain of patrol for the sheriff’s office.

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