Arkansas high school coach, former Mr. Basketball in state arrested on child porn charge, records show

Brandon Ballard is shown in this 2005 file photo from when he was named Mr. Basketball, an honor given to the state's top high school basketball player.
Brandon Ballard is shown in this 2005 file photo from when he was named Mr. Basketball, an honor given to the state's top high school basketball player.

A high school basketball coach who was once named Mr. Basketball of Arkansas was arrested Monday on a child porn charge, according to online records.

Brandon Ballard, who is a teacher and coach at Buffalo Island Central High School in Monette, was booked into the Pike County jail shortly after 11:30 a.m., records show.

Ballard faces a charge of computer child pornography, according to a news release from the Buffalo Island School District.

The district said that Ballard has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. The coach will not be permitted on campus or around students during this period, the release states.

“The Buffalo Island School District is taking this matter seriously and will investigate it to determine if any additional action is necessary,” the district said.

Pike County Sheriff Charlie Caldwell and prosecuting attorney Jana Bradford did not immediately return messages seeking comment on Tuesday.

Ballard was named Mr. Basketball, an honor given to the state’s best high school basketball player, while he was a senior at Buffalo Island Central High School in 2005. He later played for a season at Arkansas State University.

Upcoming Events