Derek Scott Finkbeiner, Concealing a Material Fact from a Governmental Agency, Arkansas 2023

Hot Spring County Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Concealing a Material Fact from a Governmental Agency

EL DORADO, AR – In a shocking turn of events, Derek Scott Finkbeiner, the elected Sheriff of Hot Spring County, Arkansas, has pleaded guilty to one count of Engaging in a Scheme to Conceal a Material Fact from a Governmental Agency. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the change of plea hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in El Dorado on August 24, 2023.

According to the plea agreement, Finkbeiner, 47, admitted that from approximately August 19, 2023, through August 24, 2023, he intentionally misled and concealed material facts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the true nature of his relationship with a target of an FBI investigation. The Sheriff further admitted that he was present at the target’s residence when the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics and that he “smoked” crack cocaine and methamphetamine with the target.

Finkbeiner also admitted that once he learned of the FBI’s investigation, he intentionally lied about the nature of his and the Hot Spring County Sheriff Department’s relationship with the target, all in an effort to convince the FBI to cease its investigation. The charges against Finkbeiner carry a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris and Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Achorn and Trent Daniels of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case.

Finkbeiner’s sentencing is expected to take place in approximately four months. Chief District Judge Susan Hickey will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov

This case is a stark reminder of the high level of corruption that can occur within law enforcement agencies. As a community, we expect our law enforcement officials to uphold the law and maintain the highest level of integrity. Finkbeiner’s actions have fallen woefully short of these expectations, and we hope that he will be held accountable for his crimes.