Pulaski County, Arkansas, Sheriff's Office Sergeant Arrested for Mail Fraud

LITTLE ROCK— Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, today announced the arrest of Kelvin Hendrix, 47, a Sergeant with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for mail fraud. Federal agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Hendrix, a 25-year veteran with the Sheriff’s Office, when he reported for work. Upon arrest, agents executed a federal search warrant on Hendrix’s residence in Bauxite, Arkansas. Agents also arrested Jennifer Gann of Sherwood, 35, an employee of Cruse Uniforms and Equipment, for her involvement in the mail fraud scheme.

The arrest stemmed from a federal complaint signed by Judge Jerome T. Kearney.

"Today Sergeant Kelvin Hendrix of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on a federal criminal complaint for mail fraud," Thyer said. "As alleged in the complaint, Sergeant Hendrix was using his position with the Sheriff’s Office to purchase firearms, which were ultimately paid for by Pulaski County," "As soon as Sergeant Hendrix’s scheme was discovered, Sheriff Doc Holladay immediately notified the FBI and turned much of the investigation over to them.

"While it is disheartening to learn that a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office would violate the public’s trust in such a manner, it is reassuring to know that Sheriff Holladay and the other good men and women of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will treat one of their own in the same manner they would treat any other person alleged to be involved in criminal activity," concluded Thyer.

"The initial allegation was brought to my attention." Holladay said. "The information was given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to the nature of the investigation."

The FBI discovered that, as part of their mail fraud scheme, Hendrix and Gann stole funds allocated by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of employee uniforms and used those stolen funds to purchase firearms from Cruse. Between July 2015 and April 2016, Hendrix and Gann used this scheme to purchase at least 25 firearms.

The charge of mail fraud carries a statutory penalty of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release. The criminal complaint contains only allegations. A federal Grand Jury will decide whether to indict on these charges. Hendrix and Gann are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benecia B. Moore.