ASP SIU probe results in Helena-West Helena mayor arrest

HELENA-WEST HELENA — On June 24, Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin Sr., 44, as a result of a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) probe.
Franklin was charged with four counts of failure to pay or file a tax return, a Class D felony.
First Judicial District Prosecutor Todd Murray asked ASP in June 2024 to investigate. The SIU investigation revealed that Franklin has not filed taxes four out of the past five years.

Franklin was taken into custody during a traffic stop at about 5 p.m. by an SIU agent and Troop D Troopers without incident.
Franklin was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, where a judge set his bond at $100,000.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.