A Sharp County jury has found Scott Rose, the former police chief of Hardy, guilty of second-degree sexual assault and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor.
The jury is currently deliberating Rose's sentence following the convictions.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated on March 31, 2025, after Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell received allegations involving Rose and a minor. Sheriff Russell assigned Lieutenant Cham Buchanan to conduct an initial inquiry. Early interviews yielded limited evidence as much of the information appeared unsubstantiated. However, after speaking with the alleged victim and her family, investigators obtained disclosures detailing incidents of sexual contact and abuse.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations and Rose's position as a government official, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office enlisted external agencies to ensure an impartial investigation. The Arkansas State Police and Homeland Security Investigations joined the case, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation later became involved after identifying a related report.
The coordinated effort led to Rose’s arrest on June 2, 2025. He was charged with a series of offenses, including second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony; sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony; endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, a Class D felony; and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor.
Sheriff Russell commended the collaboration between agencies, saying, “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. 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 authorities have stated that no additional details will be released to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.