Mulberry, Arkansas – Two former Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputies are facing the music after federal prosecutors indicted them on civil rights charges stemming from a brutal August 2022 arrest. Levi White, 32, and Zackary King, 27, are accused of repeatedly striking a 27-year-old man while he was already subdued on the ground at a local gas station. The incident, now under intense scrutiny, raises serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement in the small Arkansas town.
The indictment alleges that both White and King engaged in a pattern of excessive force during the arrest. Witnesses and, crucially, video footage reportedly show the deputies continuing to strike the arrestee after he was no longer resisting. While details surrounding the initial reason for the arrest remain somewhat murky, the feds are focused on the deputies’ actions after the man was restrained. The charges aren’t about what led to the stop, but about what happened on the asphalt.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made a statement confirming the charges, emphasizing the commitment to upholding civil rights. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division is also involved, signaling the seriousness with which federal prosecutors are treating the case. The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Little Rock Field Office, led by Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson, and relied heavily on gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses.
The small town of Mulberry, located in Crawford County, is now at the center of a national conversation about police brutality. Locals describe a close-knit community where law enforcement generally operates with a degree of unchecked power. The gas station where the incident occurred has become a focal point for both local residents and journalists, with many demanding full transparency and accountability. The arrestee’s condition at the time of the alleged assault isn’t fully public, but the indictment suggests he was vulnerable and unable to adequately defend himself.
If convicted, White and King each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. However, legal experts say the actual sentence could vary significantly depending on the evidence presented at trial and the judge’s discretion. The feds are likely to present the video footage as key evidence, along with witness testimony and any medical records detailing the extent of the arrestee’s injuries. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about sending a message that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated.
This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for police accountability in America. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, providing updates as it moves through the legal system. The indictment is just the first step; securing a conviction will require a solid case built on irrefutable evidence. For now, two former deputies are facing serious consequences for their alleged actions, and a small Arkansas town is grappling with a troubling incident of alleged police brutality.
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