Six men in Sharp County have been arrested this week on felony charges connected to noncompliance with Arkansas' sex offender registration and reporting requirements, authorities reported.
The Sharp County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the individuals are being held in the Sharp County Detention Center as they await court hearings.
The arrested individuals include Matthew Baldridge, 62, of Cherokee Village; Donald Jay Whitke, 53, of Hardy; Lucas Clute, 23, of Cherokee Village; Alvin Moore, 51, of Cherokee Village; Jacky Lee Dalton, 33, of Highland; and Carl David Walls, 69, of Ash Flat. All six were charged with failure to comply with sex offender reporting and registry requirements, a felony offense under Arkansas law.
Authorities did not disclose specific details about the alleged violations of the registry requirements. Under Arkansas Statute §12-12-904, registered sex offenders are required to regularly update their information, including changes to residences, employment, or other relevant details, to law enforcement.
No further information was immediately available regarding the scheduling of the court hearings or potential penalties if convicted. The Sharp County Sheriff's Office urges registered individuals to remain in compliance to avoid such consequences.
This story remains under development, and updates will follow as additional details emerge.