Lafayette County Treasurer Indicted on Embezzlement Charges

TEXARKANA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Keesha Rose, age 36, appeared today in United States Magistrate Court for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant on charges for embezzling funds from the Lafayette County Treasurer’s Office. Rose currently serves as the treasurer and tax collector for Lafayette County.

U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting public officials that abuse the trust placed in them by embezzling public funds. Such conduct offends taxpayers and citizens as well as the vast majority of public officials who dedicate themselves to service day in and day out.”

“Today’s charges are the result of the collaborative efforts of the FBI’s Ark Trust Public Corruption Task Force, Arkansas State Police, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” stated Special Agent in Charge David T. Resch. “Together, we are highly committed to combatting corruption by following the facts where they lead us. In this case, we allege Mrs. Rose abused her position as Lafayette County treasurer and tax collector by embezzling funds that that were entrusted in her care. ”

On January 29, 2014, a federal grand jury issued an indictment against Rose charging her with two counts of theft of a program receiving federal funds in excess of at least $5,000. A legislative audit conducted by the Joint Division of Legislative Audit of the finances in Lafayette County resulted in the charges against Rose for funds embezzled while she served as County Treasurer.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ross is prosecuting the case for the United States.

The charges in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.