September 3, 2026

CONWAY, Ark. — Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) have arrested two former employees of the Conway School District maintenance department following an investigation into the theft and misuse of public funds.

On September 1, 2026, former Maintenance Department Supervisor Bruce Harrell, 56, and former employee Justin Turney, 55, were booked into the Faulkner County Detention Center. Both men face three felony counts of Theft of Property and were each given a $1,500 bond.

The investigation began on September 24, 2025, at the request of the 20th Judicial District Prosecutor. ASP CID Special Agents discovered that Harrell allowed maintenance employees to use department tools and supplies for personal projects and used them for his own purposes. The investigation also revealed that Turney replaced an engine in a vehicle belonging to one of Harrell’s family members using district resources.

An audit conducted by the Arkansas Legislative Audit identified multiple unauthorized and questionable purchases, including $27,359 in unauthorized general purchases, $3,400 in automotive parts, and $1,682 to buy paint for personal use.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.