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A former Arkansas police officer is facing multiple criminal charges, including second-degree sexual assault of a juvenile, after an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division led to his arrest by U.S. Marshals.
Benjamin Drake Slagley, 31, is the Former Swifton Arkansas Police Officer Accused of Sexual Assault of a Juvenile who was taken into custody on April 28, 2026, at a residence in Swifton and transported to the Cross County Detention Center. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office requested the Arkansas State Police's Criminal Investigation Division to investigate a sexual assault incident involving a juvenile on April 19, 2026. Slagley faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, residential burglary, and knowingly furnishing or selling alcohol to a minor.
This is not the first time Slagley has faced criminal charges. On October 13, 2025, Arkansas State Police CID agents arrested Slagley on one count of arson following an investigation into a fire at his home in Swifton in August 2025. Slagley, who was a Swifton police officer at the time of the arson investigation, subsequently resigned from the department.
The factual information above was sourced from thv11.com as of June 3, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a law enforcement officer is accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile, survivors and their families may have significant legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Arkansas sexual abuse attorney Joshua Gillespie about the civil legal avenues that may be available in cases involving alleged sexual assault by a current or former police officer.
Paul Amess: Joshua, when a law enforcement officer is accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile, what civil legal options may be available to the alleged victim and their family?
Joshua Gillespie: Cases involving the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile by a law enforcement officer are among the most serious civil matters we encounter. Families may have civil claims not only against the individual accused but potentially against the law enforcement agency that employed them. Police departments have a duty to properly screen, supervise, and respond to conduct that falls outside the bounds of acceptable behavior, and when those responsibilities are not adequately met, the institution can face civil liability alongside the individual.
Paul Amess: In cases where an accused officer had prior criminal involvement, does that affect the scope of potential civil claims?
Joshua Gillespie: Prior criminal conduct or disciplinary history involving a law enforcement officer can be highly relevant in civil litigation. It raises important questions about what the employing agency knew or should have known about the individual's fitness for duty and whether adequate protective measures were in place. Families should speak with an experienced attorney to understand how those factors may apply to their specific situation.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a family in Arkansas whose child was allegedly assaulted by someone in a position of law enforcement authority?
Joshua Gillespie: Act quickly and speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Arkansas, and the earlier families seek legal guidance, the stronger their position. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no family should have to navigate this alone.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual assault or abuse by any individual in Arkansas, including someone in a position of authority, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Arkansas sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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