Tony Rogers

“I have over 30 years experience practicing criminal law in Carroll County. I’ve practiced on both sides-as a criminal defense lawyer and as prosecutor. I’ve tried three murder cases as lead counsel. I’ve tried numerous other felony cases from rape to assault and battery to drugs. By the time I became Prosecuting Attorney, I met the qualifications to be appointed as lead counsel on capital murder cases. Currently, I am the only attorney in Carroll County with this qualification.

“I have experience writing appeals and arguing before the Arkansas Supreme Court.

“The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also represents Carroll County in civil matters. I have successfully defended the county in several lawsuits.”

What do you see as the most important issue facing your district right now, and what specific actions would you take to address it if elected?

“Drugs remain the most important issue for the justice system in Carroll County. Drugs are an underlying cause of many other crimes such as theft, burglary, sexual assault, domestic violence, and murder.

“First-time offenders who are guilty of no more than using drugs can sometimes be rehabilitated. This is why I worked with former Senator Randy Laverty to obtain funding for Carroll County’s Drug Court.

“The primary responsibility of the Prosecuting Attorney is to enforce the Arkansas Criminal Code, not necessarily run a rehabilitation program. Substance abuse leads to much more serious crimes than mere drug possession. It is my role to prosecute those who commit these crimes.

“I would add that drug dealers do not deserve leniency or “rehabilitation.” They are making money off of other people’s misery. They deserve the full repercussions of the law.”

How do you approach budgeting, taxpayer dollars and long-term financial responsibility at the level of government you are seeking to serve?

“My office has always been frugal with taxpayer dollars. We manage our county budget plus the hot check fee account, the hot check trust account, and the forfeiture account. We have one of the smallest budgets in the county.

“I have also had to hold other offices accountable for misuse of public funds. One example was a deputy who worked for a former sheriff. The county received a grant to pay sheriff’s deputies overtime. A deputy billed the county for over $11K that he did not work. I requested a special audit and an investigation from the Arkansas State Police. He was arrested. He eventually pleaded guilty, surrendered his state law enforcement certification, and repaid the $11K he had unlawfully obtained. While the case was pending, Carroll County was suspended from this grant program. Once he was convicted and paid full restitution, the grant was restored.”