Arkansas – A special prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against North LittIe Rock Mayor Tery Hartwick following a months-long investigation into allegations made late last year, state officials said.
In a letter dated April 23, 2026, Special Prosecuting Attorney Robbie Jones informed 6th Circuit Judge Hugh Finkelstein that the evidence gathered during the investigation did not support pursuing charges. The decision came after a review of findings submitted by investigators with the Arkansas State Police Special Investigations Unit, which had been tasked with examining the case at the request of the North LittIe Rock Police Department, local news outlet reported.
The investigation began in December 2025 after allegations were reported involving the mayor. The Arkansas State Police, a statewide law enforcement agency that frequently assists local departments with complex investigations, assigned special agents to review the claims and compile evidence. After completing their work, agents submitted a case file to the prosecutor for evaluation.
Jones stated in his letter that, after reviewing the available evidence, it did not meet the legal threshold required to move forward with criminal charges. This determination effectively brings the criminal portion of the case to a close, barring any new evidence that could prompt further review.
Details surrounding the allegations have been limited in official releases. However, reporting indicates the investigation centered on an incident that allegedly occurred during a public event in December 2025. According to those reports, the claims involved alleged inappropriate conduct during a gathering where the mayor interacted with individuals attending the event.
In explaining the decision, Jones noted that the available evidence would likely not be sufficient to secure a conviction in court. Prosecutors are required to prove criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt, a high standard that ensures only cases with strong supporting evidence proceed to trial. Without clear, corroborated evidence, including documentation or video, such cases can be difficult to prosecute successfully.
The Arkansas State Police Special Investigations Unit plays a key role in cases like this, particularly when allegations involve public officials or require an independent review. The unit’s findings are typically forwarded to a prosecutor who is not connected to the local jurisdiction, helping ensure impartiality in the decision-making process.
The NLRPD initially requested the state-level investigation to maintain transparency and avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Such requests are common when cases involve elected officials or sensitive allegations, as they help reinforce public trust in the investigative process.
While no charges will be filed, the case highlights the procedural steps involved in criminal investigations of public figures. From the initial complaint and evidence gathering to prosecutorial review, each stage is designed to evaluate whether the facts meet the legal definition of a crime and whether those facts can be proven in court.
At this time, officials have not indicated any further action related to the case. The prosecutor’s decision concludes the criminal review, though it does not necessarily address any potential administrative or civil considerations that could arise separately.
The situation also underscores the distinction between allegations and criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with investigating claims, while prosecutors determine whether those claims can be substantiated under the law. In this instance, authorities determined the evidence did not support moving forward with prosecution.
As of late April 2026, no additional developments have been announced, and the investigation has effectively concluded with the decision not to pursue charges.