McCollum pleads not guilty
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The Benton County Courthouse. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios
Former state Rep. Austin McCollum, the only candidate for Benton County judge, pleaded not guilty to three felony charges during his arraignment Tuesday in Benton County Circuit Court.
Why it matters: Benton County voters are on track to have a county judge who has unresolved criminal charges after McCollum, 35, was accused of domestic violence against his wife.
State of play: McCollum can take office in January if he remains unconvicted of a felony. While Arkansas law does not allow him to simply drop out of the race, he could refuse to take office. He has not said what his plans are.
- Last week, prosecutors filed formal charges of aggravated assault on a family or household member, first-degree false imprisonment, and second-degree battering stemming from allegations that he assaulted his wife, Ragen McCollum, 34.
Catch up quick: Austin McCollum, who won the Republican nomination in March, faced calls from elected officials to resign from office and drop out of the county judge race after his Aug. 1 arrest. State law allows nominees to drop out only in limited circumstances, like moving out of the county.
- Investigators say McCollum prevented his wife from leaving a bedroom, restricted her ability to breathe by climbing on top of her and driving his knee into the back of her neck, punched her in the face, and repeatedly slammed her head against the ground.
- McCollum resigned a few days later from his House seat, which represented Pea Ridge and parts of Bentonville and Rogers.
How it works: The county judge is the head of the county government and presides over the elected quorum; the road, public safety, and planning and development departments; county facilities; and disbursement of county funds.
What's next: An omnibus hearing is set for Dec. 1.