JONESBORO, Ark. — The Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) is weighing the decertification of former Jonesboro police officer Christopher Jefferson after he acknowledged having a sexual relationship with a confidential informant, according to records obtained under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Jefferson resigned from the department on February 12, 2026, two days after being placed on paid administrative leave. An internal investigation sustained multiple policy violations, including concerns over his ability to remain credible in criminal cases. Capt. Scott Baker’s report noted that Craighead County Prosecutor Sonia Hagood planned to halt accepting Jefferson's cases, dismiss pending cases he led, and avoid calling him to testify.
The Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) initiated its internal inquiry on February 9 after being alerted by Poinsett County sheriff’s officials to a potential relationship between Jefferson, a drug task force agent, and an informant for the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force. According to Capt. Bryan Davis’ report, the informant permitted a deputy sheriff to record text messages and images exchanged with Jefferson, which investigators used to trace the timeline of the relationship.
The communications began in February 2025 with discussions about narcotics-related issues but later developed into a personal relationship. By July of that year, the messages indicated romantic intent, culminating in what Jefferson later admitted was a sexual relationship. Jefferson told investigators on February 9, 2026, that the relationship became romantic and physical after the informant completed her controlled drug purchases. He stated the relationship lasted until around October 2025, although investigators documented communications through early October.
Beyond the relationship, Jefferson also reportedly provided the informant with sensitive information, including the locations of streets where other drug task force agents lived. JPD cited policy violations, including the department’s prohibition against inappropriate relationships with individuals involved in active or former investigations and specific bans on social relationships with confidential informants.
Jefferson was placed on administrative leave February 10 and submitted his resignation two days later. In his resignation email, Jefferson stated he was unaware of the full basis for the investigation. His resignation preempted termination, and JPD closed its internal investigation on February 19, sustaining the identified policy breaches.
A report from Capt. Scott Baker further documented concerns about Jefferson’s ongoing utility in prosecutions. City legal officials also expressed apprehension about using his testimony in district court cases. The released investigative records did not specify how many of Jefferson’s cases were affected or whether the planned dismissals had taken place.
Following Jefferson’s resignation, JPD initiated a request for his decertification by CLEST. During its October 2026 meeting, CLEST voted to move Jefferson's case to a formal decertification hearing. The outcome of that hearing will determine whether Jefferson retains his law enforcement certification.