From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On April 17, 2013, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department responded toWatergate Roadon a report of person(s) believed to be stealing items from the tornado affected area.  Deputies were close to the area and a fast response time yielded multiple suspects being arrested.  Witnesses described a Maroon truck being driven by suspects.  A vehicle matching this description was seen traveling North on hwy 65 and ultimately stopping at Stiles Recycling, in Leslie.  The Searcy County Sheriff’s Dept. was dispatched to the scene with the suspects who were met by Van Buren County Deputies shortly thereafter. 

  Billy E. Maxwell, 40, ofHouston,Arkansasand Latisha D. Box, 28, ofMt.Vernon,Arkansaswere arrested for Felony Theft during a time of emergency due to the fact that items they allegedly stole was from the tornado damaged area.  Both Maxwell and Box are currently being held at the Van Buren County Sheriff’sDetentionCenteron $10,000 bond.