Arkansas – The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division has taken over an investigation into a se-ual assault allegation involving a former Swifton police officer and a juvenile victim, following a request from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, the investigation began on April 19, 2026, after the sheriff’s office asked ASP CID to look into the incident reported in Swifton involving Benjamin Drake Slagley, 31, of Swifton, who was formerly employed with the Swifton Police Department.
On April 28, 2026, members of a U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Slagley at a residence in Swifton.
He was transported to the Cross County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of second-degree se-ual assault, residential burglary, and knowingly furnishing or selling alcohol to a minor.
Officials also noted that Slagley was previously arrested by ASP CID on October 13, 2025, in connection with an arson investigation tied to an August 2025 fire at his residence in Swifton.
Authorities said the earlier investigation began after Slagley, then serving as a Swifton police officer, contacted 911 to report the fire at his home. He later resigned from his position following that incident.
The investigations remain ongoing.