Arkansas State Police cite paperwork mistake in release of Texas driver found with 8 pounds of cocaine

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Authorities say a Texas man was released from Hempstead County jail without charges after a paperwork mistake by Arkansas State Police.

ASP troopers had taken the man into custody during a Sept. 17 traffic stop in Hempstead County after seizing more than 8 pounds of cocaine from the man’s SUV. Officers took him to the Hempstead County Detention Center pending his arraignment.

No arraignment took place, though. According to District 8 North Prosecutor Ben Hale, the court never received an affidavit from the arresting officers, which was required to file charges against the man.

Hale explained that since no charges were filed, the driver, who had been facing felony charges of trafficking a controlled substance, was released after being held for one week due to speedy trial provisions.

An ASP spokesperson said the agency takes responsibility for the lapse.

“This is the result of a miscommunication with our federal partners but Arkansas State Police takes responsibility for not submitting proper documentation in a timely manner,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson identified the “federal partner” as the Drug Enforcement Administration, adding that this sort of mistake happens “very rarely.”

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