Garland Trice, a Jefferson County resident, has filed a formal complaint with the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners alleging that Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. is constitutionally ineligible to seek re-election due to what Trice says is a prior misdemeanor conviction.
In a letter dated Nov. 21, 2025, Trice asked state election officials to investigate information he says indicates that Sheriff Woods previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor theft-of-property charge—an offense he argues qualifies as an “infamous crime” under Arkansas law and therefore disqualifies Woods from holding public office. Trice noted that he was informed the record was later sealed but asserted that sealing does not restore eligibility.
Citing Article 5, Section 9 of the Arkansas Constitution, along with Arkansas Supreme Court rulings Edwards v. Campbell (2010) and Pruitt v. Smith (2020), Trice told the commission that misdemeanor theft has been legally recognized as an infamous crime and that expungement or sealing does not remove the constitutional barrier to running for or holding office.
“Because the public has a legitimate interest in ensuring that only eligible candidates appear on the ballot, I respectfully request that your office review this matter,” Trice wrote. He added that if the allegations regarding Woods’ past conviction are accurate, “it appears that he may be constitutionally disqualified from holding office.”
Trice’s filing comes months after a high-profile confrontation with Jefferson County deputies during a special called quorum court meeting in June, where Trice was tased and arrested. His vehicle was towed following the arrest. That incident has since fueled tensions between Trice and the Sheriff, and ultimately contributed to Trice’s decision to mount a campaign challenging Woods’ leadership and eligibility.
Copies of Trice’s complaint were also sent to the local prosecuting attorney’s office, the county election commission, and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
