From Press Release
Scott Rose, 47, the Chief of Police in Hardy, Ark., was questioned and detained on June 2 at the FBI field office in Jonesboro, Ark., on a bench warrant from Sharp County after a lengthy investigation. Rose was called in and willingly went to speak with officers.
Rose was interviewed and later transported back to the Sharp County Detention Center where the Sharp County felony warrant was served and he was booked into the jail around 8:30 p.m. on June 2.
Sheriff Shane Russell released the following press release on the case.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose following a coordinated, multi-agency investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.
“On or about March 31, 2025, Sheriff Shane Russell received information regarding serious allegations involving Chief Rose. In response, Sheriff Russell assigned Lieutenant Cham Buchanan to initiate a preliminary investigation.
During initial interviews with individuals believed to have first-hand knowledge, investigators found that 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.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the involvement of a local government official, the Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from external agencies to ensure transparency and impartiality. The Arkansas State Police and the Homeland Security Investigations were engaged to support the investigation.
Shortly thereafter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted Sheriff Russell and Lieutenant Buchanan regarding a related report. All agencies agreed to collaborate and launched a joint, multi-agency investigation.
As a result of the ongoing inquiry, Scott Rose was arrested on June 2, 2025. He has been formally charged with:
• Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, a Class B Felony
• Sexual Indecency with a Child, Class D Felony
• Endangering Welfare of a Minor, First Degree, Class D Felony, and
• Knowingly Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, Class A Misdemeanor. “
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout this investigation,” said Sheriff Shane Russell. “Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process. This case underscores the critical importance of interagency cooperation in addressing allegations of such a serious and sensitive nature.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.
Russell also offered a comment on the investigation.
Photo/Annonymous – Rose being escorted out of the Regions Bank Building in Jonesboro where the FBI field office is located by Sharp County Investigator Lt. Cham Buchanan. Rose was transported back to Sharp County where he was booked into the Sharp County Detention Center on the charges and is awaiting his first appearance before a judge to set bond.
“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their exceptional professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout the recent investigation conducted in Sharp County.”
“Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process. Each agency brought a high level of expertise and integrity to this case, and their coordinated work reflects the very best of law enforcement collaboration.”
“This case underscores the critical importance of interagency cooperation, especially when addressing allegations of such a serious and sensitive nature. The successful handling of this matter would not have been possible without the strength of those partnerships and the shared commitment to justice.”
“On behalf of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, I thank these agencies for their outstanding service and continued dedication to protecting our communities.”
Sheriff Shane Russell
Sharp County Sheriff’s Office
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