A former employee of the Izard County Sheriff's Office has avoided jail time after pleading no contest to a charge of sexual solicitation.
Joshua Lee Ramsey, 53, of Batesville entered his plea in Independence District Court on the day his trial was set to begin. Judge Shanlyn Patterson sentenced Ramsey to one year in jail, suspended; one year of supervised probation; and 10 days of community service to be completed at a rate of one day per month.
Ramsey, formerly a peer specialist for the sheriff’s office, gained statewide recognition in 2024 when he was named Arkansas Peer Specialist of the Year for assisting individuals battling addiction and supporting their families.
According to an affidavit filed by the Batesville Police Department, the case involves a woman Ramsey initially helped enter a rehabilitation program in Jonesboro to address her drug addiction. The woman, identified as the victim in the case, was later discharged from the program and contacted Ramsey for assistance, as she faced homelessness. Ramsey reportedly drove her back to Batesville and paid for a hotel room.
The woman told investigators that while she was gathering her belongings in the hotel room, she turned around to find Ramsey with his pants undone. Ramsey, she said, began referencing how much he had done for her. Feeling pressured and wanting him to leave, she stated she performed a sexual act.
In his interview with investigators, Ramsey denied any inappropriate intent. When asked if this was an isolated incident, he admitted, "I mean, I cheat on my wife."
The charge of sexual solicitation, a misdemeanor, led to Ramsey’s termination from the Izard County Sheriff's Office, where he had been employed for over four years.
Ramsey must complete all terms of his sentencing as part of his probation, including community service requirements.