Earle, AR – A former court clerk in Crittenden County is facing felony charges today after an Arkansas legislative audit uncovered more than $23,000 in missing funds tied to her time in office.
According to the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, former Earle Chief Court Clerk Chiquita Moore, 41, was charged Thursday with felony Theft of Property and Tampering with a Public Record. Investigators said the charges stem from financial discrepancies identified during a routine state audit of Earle’s court operations.
Moore was taken into custody and booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center. Police said she was later released on her own recognizance pending future court proceedings.
According to the legislative audit, approximately $23,671 could not be accounted for during Moore’s tenure. Investigators allege the missing funds were connected to court-related financial transactions. The audit findings were forwarded to prosecutors earlier this year, prompting an official request for a criminal investigation.
Arkansas State Police reported that its CID investigators began reviewing the matter on February 12, 2025, after the 2nd Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office requested assistance. Authorities have not released additional details about the scope of the alleged theft or whether further charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Residents in Earle and broader Crittenden County have expressed concern over the findings, as the city’s court system continues to recover from recent administrative changes. Court officials have not commented on whether new financial safeguards have been implemented following the audit.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact Arkansas State Police.
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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