Hardy police chief arrested for alleged child sexual indecency and misconduct

Above: Scott Rose / Image: Sharp County Sheriff’s Office

Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose was arrested Monday following a multi-agency investigation into allegations of sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child, according to a release from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after Sheriff Shane Russell received information on March 31 about serious allegations involving the 47-year-old Rose.

Lt. Cham Buchanan was assigned to conduct a preliminary inquiry.

Initial interviews found that much of the early information appeared “unsubstantiated and based on rumor,” the release said.

However, after speaking with the alleged victim and the victim’s family, investigators received disclosures of sexual contact and other forms of abuse that had not been previously reported.

Due to the nature of the allegations and Rose’s position as a public official, the sheriff’s office requested assistance from outside agencies to ensure transparency and impartiality. The Arkansas State Police and Homeland Security Investigations joined the inquiry. The FBI later contacted the sheriff’s office with a related report, and all agencies agreed to work together.

Rose was arrested June 2 and charged with sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony; sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony; endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, a Class D felony; and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI for their professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout this investigation,” Russell said in a statement (see below). “Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process.”

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A Message From the Sheriff

Public Statement from Sheriff Shane Russell
Sharp County Sheriff’s Office
June 2, 2025

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly extend my sincere gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their exceptional professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment throughout the recent investigation conducted in Sharp County.

Their joint efforts were vital in ensuring a thorough, impartial, and just process. Each agency brought a high level of expertise and integrity to this case, and their coordinated work reflects the very best of law enforcement collaboration.

This case underscores the critical importance of interagency cooperation, especially when addressing allegations of such a serious and sensitive nature. The successful handling of this matter would not have been possible without the strength of those partnerships and the shared commitment to justice.

On behalf of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, I thank these agencies for their outstanding service and continued dedication to protecting our communities.

Sheriff Shane Russell
Sharp County Sheriff’s Office