Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl released a detailed update this week outlining recent activity within the Sheriff’s Office, including arrests, ongoing investigations, significant personnel changes, and upcoming retirements.
Knoedl reported that deputies made one DWI arrest last Friday night and apprehended two parole absconders. The department also completed two probation home visits. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the FBI on an active investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available, he said.
The sheriff announced the upcoming retirement of Major Mike Foster, who will step down on January 1. Foster, who previously served with the Arkansas State Police and retired as Major of the Highway Patrol, joined the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office at Knoedl’s request after both had been retired for several years.
Knoedl described Foster as a longtime friend and trusted colleague, noting that the two began their careers together in the mid-1980s.
“He has made so many sacrifices for me and the people of Dallas County,” Knoedl said. “He has been my right hand, always my voice of reason… He is the true epitome of a public servant.”
Foster is retiring to focus on family as his daughter faces health challenges. Brady Harmon has been selected to serve as his replacement.
Deputy Bill Rogers, described by Knoedl as a steady and dedicated member of the department, will also be retiring after 21 years of service.
“If you know him, you can’t not like him,” Knoedl said. “A very hard-working, dependable deputy who sincerely cares about his people and community.”
A retirement reception for Foster and Rogers will be held Monday, Nov. 24, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Temple Baptist Church Life Center, located across from the courthouse. The sheriff invited the community to stop by and thank both men for their service.
Knoedl also reported outcomes from felony circuit court held Wednesday. Several defendants entered guilty pleas:
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Cody Sparkman – Possession of meth/cocaine with purpose to deliver; possession of Schedule I/II and Schedule IV/V controlled substances with purpose to deliver. Sentenced to 10 years probation, drug rehab, and fined $2,500 plus fees.
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Mustafa Royal – Possession of a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentenced to the ASP program plus fees.
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Kanitra Swift – Theft of property; residential burglary. Sentenced to the ASP program plus fees.
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Shanetta Childs – Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentenced to 5 years probation and fined $2,500 plus fees.
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Michael Holguin – Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentenced to 5 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and 5 years SIS for each count, to run concurrently, plus fees.
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Stephanie Williams – Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentenced to 5 years probation and a $2,500 fine plus fees.
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Eddie Chriswell – Failure to register as a sex offender. Sentenced to 5 years ADC and 5 years SIS plus fees.
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Brently Toney – Probation revocation. Sentenced to 4 years ACC and 10 years SIS, must attend long-term substance abuse treatment, plus fees.
The sheriff also reminded residents that sign-ups for the annual Shop With a Cop program end Wednesday, Nov. 26 at noon. Donations are still being accepted at FBT Bank.
“We simply cannot do this program without your assistance,” Knoedl said.
The weekly Felony Friday report listed multiple individuals arrested on charges ranging from failure to appear to DWI and drug-related offenses:
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Tobias Hicks, Camden – Failure to Appear
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Anthony Matlock, Fordyce – Absconding
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John Miller, Sparkman – Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons
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Jose Torres, Warren – DWI; Possession of Controlled Substance
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Roshard Boone, Smackover – DWI
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Cortez King, San Antonio – Failure to Appear (Felony)
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Donavon Ross, Warren – Contempt/Failure to Pay
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Michelle Parker, El Dorado – Failure to Appear
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Michael Holguin, Fordyce – Possession of Schedule I/II with Purpose to Deliver; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
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Shawn Word, Bearden – Failure to Appear
