PIKE COUNTY, Ark. — A former deputy of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was arrested on February 3 by Special Agents from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) for pawning two department-issued firearms. Brandon Vines, 40, had been terminated from his position on December 30, 2024, and failed to return a Mossberg 590 shotgun and a Colt M-16 rifle that had been assigned to him during his service.
The investigation into the missing firearms began on January 8 at the request of the PCSO. The Arkansas State Police CID was tasked with looking into the matter. According to authorities, Vines did not return the weapons following his termination, prompting the investigation.
After the investigation revealed that Vines had pawned the firearms, authorities arrested him. He surrendered to the Pike County Detention Center on February 3, where he made his first court appearance. Vines pled not guilty to the charges and was granted a bond set at $10,000.
Both the Mossberg 590 shotgun and the Colt M-16 rifle have since been recovered by law enforcement.
The incident has raised concerns about the proper handling and return of department-issued equipment, and the investigation continues as Vines faces legal proceedings related to the alleged theft of the firearms.