Van Buren, AR – A Van Buren police officer was arrested this week on allegations of Internet Stalking of a Child, authorities said, leading to his termination from the department and a request for decertification.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the arrest took place Monday after an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The task force, working in coordination with the Van Buren Police Department, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, alleges the officer engaged in inappropriate online communication with a minor.
Authorities identified the officer as Jason Scites, 45, of Van Buren. Officials allege Scites was involved in online exchanges with a juvenile, prompting investigators to take him into custody on Monday and transport him to the Crawford County Detention Center.
Van Buren Police Chief Jonathan Wear confirmed that Scites was relieved of duty following the arrest and that a formal request for decertification had been submitted to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. According to law enforcement officials, Scites faces a felony charge and will await judicial proceedings in the coming days.
No further details about the alleged online communication or the age of the minor were released by authorities as of Tuesday.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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