Sheriff-Elect Mark Hollingsworth has appointed veteran law enforcement officer Sam Seamans as Chief Deputy of the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, effective January 1, 2027. With local experience spanning decades, Seamans steps into this leadership role as Hollingsworth prepares to take office.
Seamans began his law enforcement career in 1986 with the University of Southwest Louisiana Police Department. In 1990, he moved to Mountain Home and joined the Mountain Home Police Department (MHPD), where he worked until his initial retirement in 2011. However, his time away from law enforcement was short-lived; Seamans returned part-time as the city’s Code Enforcement Officer just three months later. He later served as an officer for Arkansas State University before rejoining the MHPD as an investigator.
Seamans also has extensive experience with the Baxter County Coroner’s Office, serving as deputy coroner for 15 years. In October 2025, he was appointed Baxter County Coroner after Brad Hayes resigned mid-term. Seamans is set to complete that term, which ends December 31, 2026.
Speaking about the appointment, Seamans said he was surprised and honored when Hollingsworth approached him about the position. Seamans previously stated that one of their initial priorities has been building relationships with the sheriff’s office staff to prepare for the transition.
In addition to his extensive law enforcement background, Seamans is active in local church leadership. He confirmed his role as a pastor will continue alongside his new responsibilities in the sheriff’s office, adding that he believes the two commitments will coexist without conflict.
Hollingsworth will assume the position of Baxter County Sheriff on January 1, following his election to replace outgoing Sheriff John Montgomery, who did not seek reelection after holding the position since 2005.