On March 18, 2026, after a day and a half trial, a Randolph County jury found Arthur Cocherell Jr., a former Pocahontas Police Officer, guilty of three counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials. After a sentencing hearing, they recommended the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Deputy Prosecutor Keith Chrestman, who is set to take office as a Circuit Judge in the Second Judicial District in January, prosecuted the case. Cocherell was defended by Marty Lilly and Michael Lilly of Jonesboro. The case was investigated by Sgt. Trason Johnson and multiple officers in the Pocahontas Police Department, Detective Christopher Pigg of the Jonesboro Police Department, and Special Agent Shane Fox of the Arkansas State Police, all of whom were vital in securing the conviction in the courtroom. Administrative Assistant Ashley Stover and Victim Advocate Tiffany Wicker assisted Keith Chrestman in securing the conviction.
“This was a complicated case involving many technological issues and complex evidence,” said Devon Holder, the Prosecuting Attorney for the Third Judicial District. “Some of our evidence ended up being inadmissible. Keith Chrestman just continued on, meticulously weaving together evidence into a story that resonated with the jury. He was extremely dedicated to this case, and spent dozens of hours preparing for it—well past midnight a few times. It showed. We are thankful for his dedication.”
“I’m also thankful for those who served on the jury. They were asked to send a message to the community: ‘We will not tolerate child pornography in our community. We will protect our children.’ They responded by giving Cocherell the maximum sentence. I am so thankful for all of them. They have spoken on behalf our community and sent that message. ”
/s/ Devon Holder