Hope, Arkansas — September 2, 2026 — The State of Arkansas has dismissed all criminal
charges pending against Ercel Waylon Lewallen. Mr. Lewallen no longer faces any criminal
charges arising from the allegations that led to his arrest on May 7, 2025.
Mr. Lewallen was represented in the case by attorney Joshua L. Potter of Texarkana.
From the beginning, Mr. Lewallen maintained his innocence. The dismissal of every
charge vindicates that position and brings an end to a profoundly damaging chapter in his life.
Mr. Lewallen’s arrest was publicly announced before the evidence could be fully examined
and tested through the judicial process. The resulting publicity produced an immediate rush to
judgment – by law enforcement, news outlets, and particularly on social media – where accusations
were repeatedly treated as fact. As this case demonstrates, an arrest is not a conviction, an
allegation is not proof, and a person accused of a crime remains innocent unless and until the State
proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.
The accusations against Mr. Lewallen carried an extraordinary stigma. Before he had an
opportunity to defend himself in court, his name, livelihood, and reputation were subjected to
intense public condemnation. The dismissal of all charges cannot erase the personal and
professional harm he and his family have endured.
Mr. Lewallen is grateful that the matter has now been resolved and that all pending charges
have been dismissed. He intends to move forward with his life and begin the difficult work of
rebuilding the name and reputation that were tarnished by false accusations.
Mr. Lewallen respectfully asks the public, the media, and those who circulated the
allegations to give the dismissal of these charges the same attention they gave his arrest.
Fundamental fairness requires that his vindication be reported as prominently as the accusations
made against him.
Mr. Lewallen and his family appreciate the support of those who withheld judgment,
respected the presumption of innocence and stood by them during this ordeal.