Christopher Franklin, the former mayor of Helena-West Helena who is seeking to reclaim his position, was arrested on Friday. Authorities have not released details surrounding his arrest.
Franklin, who was removed from office last year after a judge ruled against him in a tax evasion case, addressed the arrest on social media, suggesting it was politically motivated. “They are out to get me. They are out to destroy me. They are trying to take YOUR mayor away from you,” Franklin wrote.
Court records show Franklin’s tax evasion trial, originally scheduled for September 28, 2026, has been postponed to a later date.
No further details have been released from law enforcement or public officials regarding Friday’s arrest. Franklin’s campaign and legal team have not provided comment.