Authorities report that a former employee of the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, who was awarded “Peer Of The Year” was arrested for sexual solicitation.
Joshua Lee Ramsey age 52 of Batesville was fired from the sheriff’s office April 11 according to the Izard County Sheriff three days before the incident occurred.
According to court documents, the probable cause affidavit from the Batesville Police Department, the victim told an investigator she met Ramsey after he replied to a post of hers on social media. Ramsey was able to get the victim into a rehab program in Jonesboro to help with her drug addiction.
Court documents stated the victim was kicked out of the program and called Ramsey to picked her up and bring her back to Batesville.
The victim allegedly explained she was going to be homeless, so Ramsey paid for a hotel room.
The victim told the investigators, she was getting her stuff, when she turned around, Ramsey’s pants were undone. She stated Ramsey talked about how much he had done for her and she wanted to be left alone, so she performed a sexual act so he would leave her alone, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The victim told authorities after that night, Ramsey continued to text her, offering to pay her for sex.
The victim then turned the text over to police.
During Ramsey’s interview with the investigators, he denied trying anything.
When authorities asked Ramsey how many girls he has tried something with, he commented “I mean, I cheat on my wife.”
Ramsey was arrested and charged with one count of sexual solicitation, a misdemeanor.
Ramsey was released on bond.
Batesville PD says the case remains open and the investigation is ongoing.
Ramsey was employed by the Izard County Sheriff’s Office from Feb. 2021 until April 11 2025 as a Peer Specialist.
In August 2024 Ramsey was awarded the Arkansas Peer Specialist of the Year for his work in helping those with addiction problems and their families.