Arkansas County Sheriff Resigns From Office Following Release of Audio Filled With Racial Slurs

The Arkansas County Quorum Court held a special called meeting on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Southern District Courthouse to discuss a resolution requesting that Arkansas County Sheriff Todd Wright resign from office following the release of a video on social media, where Wright was heard using offensive language and racial slurs.

During the meeting, Wright stood in front of the Court, and the public in attendance, and apologized for the comments he made during a conversation. Wright was vocal in stating that he was not a racist and that he was wrong for what he said. “I am by no means a racist,” Wright stated. At that time, Wright had no intentions of resigning as Arkansas County Sheriff.

Judge Eddie Best opened the floor to public comments and the mother of the man Wright was referring to in the video addressed the Court and Wright. She, along with all others who spoke, requested that Wright resign and do the right thing.

“I have said things that I shouldn’t have said, but as far as racism, I don’t condone it,” stated Wright as he spoke to those in attendance. Wright reluctantly stated that he would resign but asked the court to grant him a month to get his affairs in order before he turned in his badge.

Outside, spectators could be heard chanting and demanding that Wright turn over his badge. At that time, local business owner, Bobby Webb, took the floor and pleaded with Wright to resign. Webb stated, "I've known you all my life. You need to take that badge and you need to lay it on that table and you need to walk out of here." Within moments, Wright walked up to Webb and handed him his weapon and clung to Webb as he hugged him. Wright then verbally announced his resignation.

A short break was called to give Wright time to sign a formal resignation, and when the court resumed, Wright gave his official written resignation. The Quorum Court will hold discussion on the vacancy in the September 8, 2020 meeting, and Chief Deputy Randy Bateman will serve as sheriff until either a replacement is appointed or a special election is held.

Arkansas County Sheriff Resigns From Office Following Release of Audio Filled With Racial Slurs

by Charlotte Purdy

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The Arkansas County Quorum Court held a special called meeting on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Southern District Courthouse to discuss a resolution requesting that Arkansas County Sheriff Todd Wright resign from office following the release of a video on social media, where Wright was heard using offensive language and racial slurs.

During the meeting, Wright stood in front of the Court, and the public in attendance, and apologized for the comments he made during a conversation. Wright was vocal in stating that he was not a racist and that he was wrong for what he said. “I am by no means a racist,” Wright stated. At that time, Wright had no intentions of resigning as Arkansas County Sheriff.

Judge Eddie Best opened the floor to public comments and the mother of the man Wright was referring to in the video addressed the Court and Wright. She, along with all others who spoke, requested that Wright resign and do the right thing.

“I have said things that I shouldn’t have said, but as far as racism, I don’t condone it,” stated Wright as he spoke to those in attendance. Wright reluctantly stated that he would resign but asked the court to grant him a month to get his affairs in order before he turned in his badge.

Outside, spectators could be heard chanting and demanding that Wright turn over his badge. At that time, local business owner, Bobby Webb, took the floor and pleaded with Wright to resign. Webb stated, "I've known you all my life. You need to take that badge and you need to lay it on that table and you need to walk out of here." Within moments, Wright walked up to Webb and handed him his weapon and clung to Webb as he hugged him. Wright then verbally announced his resignation.

A short break was called to give Wright time to sign a formal resignation, and when the court resumed, Wright gave his official written resignation. The Quorum Court will hold discussion on the vacancy in the September 8, 2020 meeting, and Chief Deputy Randy Bateman will serve as sheriff until either a replacement is appointed or a special election is held.