AUGUSTA, Ark. — Augusta Mayor Jeff Collins was arrested by Arkansas State Police special agents on Thursday and charged with one count of property theft.
Authorities said they launched an investigation into allegations of misappropriated funds within the City of Augusta in March. An audit revealed areas of concern and potential theft between January 2020 and December 2022.
Auditors turned their findings over to the prosecutor, who ordered the arrest on one count of theft. The 61-year-old man was booked into the Woodruff County Detention Center, but his bond was waived as he was released on his own recognizance.
Collins' first court appearance is set for Oct. 15.
Amid all this, in June 2024, nine people living in Augusta sued the mayor, asking him to be removed.
