IZARD COUNTY, Ark. — The Izard County Sheriff’s Office says a multi-day investigation into a reported scam has led to the arrest of 30-year-old Darren Burton of Clarksville, Tenn. He has also previously lived in Jacksonville, Ala., Hollywood, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz.
Burton has been formally charged in the Izard County Circuit Court with criminal attempt to commit theft by deception under 25,000 dollars, unlawful use of a communication device, criminal attempt to commit abuse of an endangered or impaired person, and unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a citizen reported receiving a phone alert claiming a large withdrawal had been made from their bank account. Shortly afterward, the citizen received repeated calls from an unknown person who provided detailed instructions. The caller told the citizen to gather a specific amount of cash, place it into a box, wrap it in a certain way, label it with specific information, and leave the box on the porch for pickup.
Deputies began investigating and worked closely with the victim over several days to monitor the calls and track the steps provided by the scammers.
On November 22, a ride-share driver arrived at the victim’s home to pick up the package. Deputies detained and interviewed the driver, who explained how he was hired and where the package was supposed to be delivered. He said he had been instructed to take it to a hotel in Searcy, Ark.
The White County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and officers coordinated a controlled delivery at the hotel.
On November 23, Burton arrived to retrieve the package. Officials say he attempted to flee but was later apprehended and taken to the Izard County Jail.
“This is an excellent example of community policing,” Sheriff Charley Melton said. “A vigilant citizen reported the scam and worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office. With cooperation from other law enforcement agencies, we were able to achieve a positive outcome.”
Melton thanked the White County Sheriff’s Office and the Searcy Police Department for their assistance.
Anyone in Izard County who receives a communication they know or even suspect may be a scam is encouraged to contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Office at 870-368-4203.
