Benton Co. Judge Urges McCollum to Decline

Benton County Judge Barry Moehring has publicly stated that Austin McCollum should not take the oath of office to become the county's next judge. This statement follows recent legal developments involving McCollum, who is currently the only candidate on the November ballot for the position.

The controversy stems from McCollum's August 1 arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony charges: domestic battery, aggravated assault of a household or family member, and false imprisonment. While McCollum previously served in the state Legislature, he resigned last month.

During a recent news conference, Judge Moehring emphasized that while McCollum is presumed innocent under the law, the nature of the charges is too severe to ignore. Moehring argued that the role of County Judge requires the full trust and confidence of both the public and county employees. He believes that the possibility of a felony conviction would prevent McCollum from effectively leading the community.

To ensure the county remains stable, Moehring proposed a contingency plan. Under the Arkansas Constitution, an elected official may stay in office until a successor is both elected and qualified. If McCollum does not take the oath, Moehring is willing to extend his service past his original retirement date.

Moehring stated that if he must continue serving, he intends to retire at the end of February 2027. This two-month extension would provide the Benton County Quorum Court enough time to follow state law and appoint a qualified replacement to fill the vacancy.

Judge Moehring clarified that his goal is not to remain in power, but to facilitate a transparent and orderly transition of government. He hopes this approach will maintain integrity and public confidence during a difficult period for the county.

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