The police chief for the city of Hardy, which is in both Fulton and Sharp counties, has been arrested following a multi-agency investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse. Forty-seven-year-old Scott Rose of Hardy was booked into the Sharp County Jail at 8:04 and released at 9:01 Monday night and transferred to the Independence County Jail where he is being held. No information has been released on what his bail amount is.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell says the investigation started March 31 when his office received serious allegations against Chief Rose.
During initial interviews with individuals believed to have first-hand knowledge, investigators found much of the early information appeared unsubstantiated and based on rumor. However, after interviewing the alleged victim and her family, disclosures were made detailing incidents of sexual contact and other forms of abuse that had not been previously reported.
Sheriff Russell says given the gravity of the allegations, and the involvement of the Hardy Police Chief, the sheriff’s office requested assistance from external agencies to ensure transparency and impartiality. The Arkansas State Police and the Homeland Security investigators were brought in to support the investigation.
Shortly thereafter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contacted the sheriff’s office regarding a related report. All agencies agreed to collaborate and launched a joint, multi-agency investigation.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Rose has been formally charged with second degree sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child and first degree endangering welfare of a minor, all felonies; and a misdemeanor count of knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Sheriff Russell says the investigation remains active and is ongoing. He says no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.
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