September 12, 2025
HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. — Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) have arrested the Director of the Cleburne County Public Library, Zackery Cothren, 47, following an investigation into the misuse of taxpayer funds.
The investigation was initiated on May 22, 2025, at the request of Drew Smith, Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial District, after a Legislative Audit revealed questionable purchases and potential fraud by library employees.
On September 11, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for Cothren on felony charges of Theft of Property and Abuse of Office. ASP CID Special Agents arrested Cothren at his residence in Cleburne County before transporting him to the Cleburne County Detention Center. Cothren was booked and later released on a $5,000 bond.
The investigation determined a loss of approximately $78,000 related to the misappropriation of public funds. Cothren has served as Director of the library for 20 years.