The longtime director of the Cleburne County Public Library has been arrested after investigators said he misused tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars.
Arkansas State Police said special agents with its Criminal Investigation Division arrested Zackery Cothren, 47, on Sept. 11 after an inquiry into questionable purchases and potential fraud uncovered in a legislative audit.
Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith of the 16th Judicial District requested the investigation in May. Authorities allege Cothren, who has led the library for 20 years, misappropriated about $78,000 in public funds.
An arrest warrant charged Cothren with felony theft of property and abuse of office. He was taken into custody at his Cleburne County home and booked at the county detention center before being released on a $5,000 bond.
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