The Arkansas State Police says Special Agents with the Criminal Investigation Division arrested 61-year-old Jeff Collins on September 5, 2024. The Augusta Mayor has been charged with one count of Theft of Property.

The First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked ASP to investigate allegations of misappropriated funds within the city in March of 2024. APS says the request was made following an audit by the Arkansas Legislative Audit for the period of January 2020 through December.

The audit indicated areas of concern and potential theft. Collins has been booked into the Woodruff County Detention Center. He has since been released on his own recognizance.