YELLVILLE, Ark. — A former treasurer for the Marion County Regional Airport Board has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $117,000 during his time in office.
Douglas Starkey, 66, of Yellville, entered guilty pleas on May 20 in Marion County Circuit Court to felony charges of Theft of Property and Abuse of Office. His conviction comes after a state investigation uncovered significant financial discrepancies at the airport in Flippin.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division launched its probe after the 14th Judicial Prosecutor’s Office raised concerns about missing funds. According to investigators, Starkey misappropriated a total of $117,696 while serving as treasurer.
He was arrested by state police on May 12.
As part of a negotiated sentence, Starkey was placed on six years’ probation and ordered to pay full restitution to the airport.
