?     On 18/April/2024 Deputies of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office arrested William Patrick Barnett, 54, of Waldo, Arkansas.  Barnett had been the subject of an ongoing investigation from 2023. This investigation was centered around the theft of Military Grave Marker monuments. Cemeteries in Columbia County had reported a number of these markers stolen. Investigators found they were being stolen, altered by destruction, and sold as scrap.

?     These bronze markers commemorate those who have served. The Arkansas Criminal Code specifically designates this or any similar act as a criminal act. Barnett has been charged with 9 counts of 5-38-207 Destruction or Removal of Cemetery or Grave marker, and being held at the Columbia County Detention Facility on $900,000.00 bond. He is awaiting first appearance before Circuit Judge David Talley.