A former Horseshoe Bend council member was sentenced to six years probation after he pleaded guilty to stealing from the city.
On Tuesday of this week, Josh Daniel Jackson entered a negotiated plea of guilty to forgery, fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, and theft of property greater than $25,000.
Judge Tim Weaver sentenced him to 72 months probation with one day of jail time credit.
Jackson was also ordered to pay the Horseshoe Bend Municipal Recreation Improvement District (MRID) $30,112 in restitution within 30 days.
Authorities say an investigation was started in May 2022 by the Arkansas Attorney General‘s office after they received a tip that Jackson had made personal purchases on the MRID’s account.
Jackson was the superintendent and office manager at MRID, which oversees the city’s golf course, swimming pool, lakes, and other properties.
The affidavit states that credit card records showed several cash advances on the MRID’s credit card during the years 2018 through 2020.
Bank records also showed 16 checks made payable to Jackson or his business, Turkey Mountain Essentials.
Jackson was arrested after a warrant was issued on Nov. 22, 2023, by an Izard County circuit court judge for Jackson’s arrest.