Hardy Mayor Ethan Barnes stated Michael Himschoot has been appointed interim police chief in the wake of the arrest of now former Hardy Police Chief 47-year-old Scott Rose.
Rose was taken in to custody by the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department June 2 following a months-long multi-agency investigation into rumors Rose was having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor.
Rose is charged with sexual assault in the second degree, a class B felony; endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, a class D felony; sexual indecency with a child, a class D felony and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor with the possibility of additional charges to come.
In a press release from Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell, the investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse of a child against Rose began on or about March 31 after Russell said he received information regarding the allegation.
In response, Russell assigned Lieutenant Cham Buchanan to initiate a preliminary investigation.
“During initial interviews with individuals believed to have first-hand knowledge, investigators found that much of the early information appeared unsubstantiated and based on rumor. However, after interviewing the alleged victim and her family, disclosures were made detailing incidents of sexual contact and other forms of abuse that had not been previously reported,” Russell said.
Due to the gravity of the allegations, Russell said the sheriff’s office requested assistance from external agencies to ensure transparency and impartiality.
“The Arkansas State Police and the Homeland Security Investigations were engaged to support the investigation,” the release said. “Shortly after, the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted Sheriff Russell and Lieutenant Buchanan regarding a related report. All agencies agreed to collaborate and launched a joint, multi-agency investigation.”
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout this investigation,” Russell said. “Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process. This case underscores the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing allegations of such a serious and sensitive nature.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details will be released at this time.
Hardy Mayor Ethan Barnes said a statement would be released from his office regarding the incident later today (June 3) and would announce the legal determination of Rose’s status with the city.
After being booked into the Sharp County Jail, Rose was later transported to the Independence County Jail where he remains on hold for another county or state agency.
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