HOPE, Ark. — The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday evening (5/28) in a session marked by routine business, a notable financial adjustment within the sheriff’s office, and an overall atmosphere of friendly conversation. County Judge Jerry Crane called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation delivered by Justice Jessie Henry. Attendees then joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed full attendance of the court’s members. The court unanimously approved the minutes from its April 26, 2026, meeting, and with no old business on the agenda, members moved directly into new matters.
The primary item of business was Ordinance 2026-6, which amends Appropriation Ordinance 2025-18. The ordinance was read and reviewed. The ordinance authorizes the transfer of funds from the county jail’s food budget to the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office to address a shortfall in the department’s inmate account. The funding gap stems from a recent incident involving counterfeit currency, according to Sheriff James Singleton. According to the sheriff, deputies seized $13,001 during an arrest and placed the funds in the inmate’s account for safekeeping until the individual’s property was to be returned. However, after the property had already been released—following the inmate’s instructions to transfer the funds to a designated recipient—it was discovered that $13,000 of the seized money was counterfeit. Only a portion of the funds was recovered. Authorities arrested both the inmate and the individual who received the money, and both now face theft charges in connection with the incident. The sheriff indicated the counterfeit bills were particularly difficult to detect and attributed the oversight to the increasingly sophisticated methods used in modern counterfeiting. He also noted that the department has acquired new equipment that can better identify counterfeit money and prevent similar incidents in the future. Following the discussion, the quorum court voted unanimously to approve the ordinance, ensuring the sheriff’s office can reconcile the financial discrepancy. Despite the seriousness of the financial discrepancy addressed, the meeting remained cordial and lighthearted. With no further business or comments, Judge Crane adjourned the meeting.
