BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KATV) — Austin McCollum, the Republican nominee for Benton County judge and a state representative, was taken into custody Saturday and is facing multiple charges related to an alleged domestic incident.
According to Benton County jail records, McCollum was booked Aug. 1 on charges of first-degree false imprisonment, aggravated assault on a family or household member, and third-degree domestic battery. As of Saturday, he was being held without bond.
McCollum won the Republican primary in March and is scheduled to face independent candidate Taylor Sizemore in the November election.
Following news of the arrest, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the allegations “appalling” and said McCollum should resign from the Legislature and withdraw from the county judge race if the allegations are accurate.
“The allegations against Representative McCollum are appalling, and I’m praying for his wife and children. I absolutely condemn violence of any form, and if these credible, sickening allegations are accurate, I call on him to immediately resign his office and drop out of the race for county judge,” Sanders said.
Attorney General Tim Griffin also denounced the allegations, calling on McCollum to step down from elected office and end his campaign.
“I am appalled and disgusted by the abhorrent domestic violence allegations against State Representative Austin McCollum. He should resign from the State legislature and withdraw from his race for County Judge immediately,” Griffin said. “Domestic violence is reprehensible. There is no justification for it, ever. Every victim deserves to be heard, protected, and treated with dignity and respect. Those who commit acts of domestic violence must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. My prayers are with the victim and all those impacted by these revolting acts.”
Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge also announced Saturday that she was withdrawing her endorsement of McCollum’s campaign.
“I am withdrawing my endorsement of Representative McCollum’s campaign for Benton County Judge, effective immediately. He should resign his seat in the House of Representatives and end his candidacy for County Judge,” Rutledge said. “The allegations against him are serious and disturbing. I have long held that there is no place for domestic violence in Arkansas. My concern is for those affected by his alleged actions. I am praying for his family, and I am confident that justice will be served.”
The Republican Party of Benton County also released a statement following the arrest, saying it is closely monitoring developments.
“The Republican Party of Benton County is aware of the events surrounding the arrest of Austin McCollum and we are closely following developments,” said Barbara Tillman, chair of the Republican Party of Benton County.
“The allegations reported today are deeply troubling. Domestic violence has no place in our homes, our communities, or among those entrusted with public office,” Tillman said. “While every individual is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence in our legal system, the public also has the right to expect the highest standards of character and conduct from its elected leaders.”
Tillman said the party is thinking of those affected by the situation and will continue monitoring the legal process.
“We remain committed to accountability, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the law,” Tillman said.
The Republican Party of Arkansas also issuing a statement saying, “The alleged violence committed by Representative Austin McCollum is disgusting. He should step down from public office and end his campaign. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.”
As of Saturday afternoon, McCollum’s campaign had not released a public statement regarding the allegations or his arrest.
