Man who caused more than $1,000 in damage at Arkansas visitors center gets probation

Dustin Wade Otwell (Photo via Texarkana Gazette)
Dustin Wade Otwell (Photo via Texarkana Gazette)

An Arkansas man who caused more than $1,000 in damages to a new Department of Transportation visitors center has been sentenced to probation.

Dustin Wade Otwell, 37, of Magnolia must also pay restitution as determined by the probation department, various fees and costs and a $2,500 fine. He also must participate in and complete treatment for substance abuse. Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Black said Otwell's vandalism appears to be connected to a drug problem.

If Otwell violates the conditions of his probation for felony criminal mischief he could be ordered to serve up to six years in prison.

The Miller County Sheriff's Office began investigating after receiving a call April 30 about vandalism to the center on U.S. 71 north of Texarkana. Plumbing, sewer, electronics and landscaping were damaged in the early morning hours. Using video surveillance, investigators identified a red Chevrolet pickup involved in the destruction and later tied it to Otwell.

He was arrested in May and was sentenced on Tuesday.

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