By Dennis McCaslin, Today in Fort Smith
Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, raising serious concerns about potential negligence and incompetence in handling critical investigations.
A leaked probable cause affidavit from the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office in the case of missing resident Jason Lierl reveals numerous errors that could have severely compromised ongoing cases.
One glaring issue within the affidavit is a significant chronological error. Deputy Stephen Brown of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department stated that James Evans was arrested on February 13, 2022 “moments after Jason’s disappearance.”
However, this statement is inaccurate by a margin of 19 days. Such a discrepancy suggests either a severe oversight or a careless replication of prior erroneous information, reflecting poorly on the department’s attention to detail.
Beyond documentation errors, there appears to be a troubling lack of follow-up and thorough investigation. A phone containing videographic evidence of a sexual assault involving Aaron McLaughlin and another individual from the Clifty community was delivered to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department on November 26, 2022.
Despite the gravity of the evidence, Deputy Brown claimed on December 13, 2022, that he had only received the phone that day and was unaware of its contents. This contradicts the evidence receipt form and the statement provided by the individual who submitted the phone, both indicating the department’s possession since late November.
Further complicating the situation, Deputy Brown allegedly inquired whether the individual who submitted the evidence was being compensated by the victim’s family, raising concerns about potential attempts to intimidate or discredit those assisting in the investigation. Such actions could deter community members from coming forward with vital information, thereby hindering justice.
There are also pressing questions regarding the handling of physical evidence. Items such as clothing and a blanket from McLaughlin’s residence, DNA samples from Jimmy Evans’s Chevy Tahoe, and a mandible believed to belong to Jason were reportedly collected.
However, it remains unclear whether these critical pieces of evidence were ever submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for analysis. Given the laboratory’s existing backlog, any delays or failures in submission could significantly impede the progress of investigations.
The cumulative effect of these issues has been a growing distrust between the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the community it serves. Reports suggest that deputies may lack the necessary skills to effectively engage with witnesses and victims, particularly those with histories of substance abuse.
This deficiency not only hampers information gathering but also perpetuates a cycle of unaddressed crime and victimization.
The allegations against the Madison County Sheriff’s Department highlight a critical need for internal review and reform. Addressing these concerns is essential to restore public trust and ensure that justice is both served and seen to be served. It is imperative for the department to acknowledge these shortcomings and take proactive steps to rectify them, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the community’s safety and well-being.
The information presented in this report is based on available sources and allegations. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
