Law enforcement agencies in Sharp County completed a four-day operation targeting sex offender compliance and related criminal activity, resulting in multiple arrests. The initiative, dubbed 'Operation Community Shield,' was carried out from September 29 to October 2, 2026.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office led the multi-jurisdictional effort with assistance from the Arkansas Division of Community Correction Sex Offender Services, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ash Flat Police Department, Arkansas State Police Troop B, the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and police departments from Cave City, Cherokee Village, Evening Shade, Hardy, and Highland.
The operation included digital investigations of more than 50 devices such as computers, cell phones, and data storage equipment. Authorities reported contact with over 90 percent of registered sex offenders in the county during this time.
The operation led to 17 arrests for various offenses, including violations of sex offender registration laws, drug charges, and tampering with evidence.
Those arrested included Sandy D. Ashley for tampering with evidence, Matthew Baldridge, Lucas Clute, Jacky Lee Dalton Jr., David Goldman, Jeffery Dean King, Alvin Moore, and Carl David Walls for failure to register as sex offenders.
Additional arrests were made for drug-related offenses, including Mary Ann Collins and Alexander Armstrong for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, Rosa Myers for possession of drug paraphernalia, and Reba Troop for manufacturing a controlled substance. Christopher Reed Troop faces multiple charges, including simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and drug manufacturing.
Other arrests included Jimmy Joe Smith for having an incorrect address on identification and Bo Eric Hargo for failure to register as a sex offender and absconding.
Officials praised the success of the operation, which highlights ongoing efforts to monitor compliance among sex offenders and detect additional criminal activities within Sharp County. Authorities emphasized the importance of multi-agency collaboration in ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable.