Former Craighead County Clerk Kade Holliday will appear today for a bond hearing on charges of allegedly stealing nearly $1.6 million in funds and abuse of office.
Holliday resigned Monday afternoon, according to a media release from his lawyer.
“Mr. Holliday is proud of his years of public service. He is committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation,†said Little Rock law firm McDaniel Wolff and Benca. “Given the seriousness of the allegations, he tendered his resignation this afternoon from the Office of Craighead County Clerk, effective immediately.â€
Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges Monday against Holliday alleging he took more than $25,000 in 13 instances.
The theft of property charges produced abuse of office charges , which Holliday was also charged with. The Class B felonies he is charged with are punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors were contacted by Craighead County Judge Marvin Day about suspicious activity within the clerk’s office on Thursday afternoon. Judge Day and Sheriff Marty Boyd requested that the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit investigate the office.
The Legislative Audit contacted Ellington’s office stating that Holliday, in his official capacity transferred county funds into a personal bank account, according to documents.
The results are a shortage of funds to the county for delinquent payroll taxes and employee retirement contributions,†according to records.
Officials requested that Arkansas State Police investigate Holliday, according to ASP spokesmen the investigation is still on going.