HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark., Former Mayor Christopher Franklin is facing new felony charges related to state tax filings, according to the Arkansas State Police. Franklin, 44, surrendered to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on December 5 after investigators obtained a warrant accusing him of attempting to evade and defeat taxes, a Class C felony. The allegations add to existing charges filed in June, when Franklin was still serving as mayor. Those earlier charges involve four counts of failure to pay or file a tax return, a Class D felony, and ultimately led to his removal from office by court order on July 7.
The case originated in June 2024 when the First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney requested an investigation into inconsistencies in Franklin’s tax history. The ASP Special Investigations Unit later concluded that Franklin had failed to file state tax returns for four of the previous five years, raising questions about oversight and accountability in local government. Franklin was released on his own recognizance after the latest arrest and is scheduled to appear in court on January 5…