White County Political Candidate Under Scrutiny of the Law

There`s an investigation underway, to find out if a man running for the White County Judge`s office broke the law as a young man. Arkansas State Police are looking into whether or not Justice of the Peace David Freppon once committed arson. Freppon has said he`d like to make a comment, but is taking his attorney`s advice and keeping quiet. He represents Bald Knob on the White County Quorum Court. Now, the prosecuting attorney is asking state police to look into whether or not he actually committed a felony 36 years ago and then again when running for office. "It probably wouldn`t have come up had David not run for County Judge," said White County Democratic Club President Hank Fulbright. Back in 1969, a 25-year old David Freppon, and a friend, were charged with arson, a felony, and malicious mischief, which is a misdemeanor. The court report reads, "County number one, is alleged on the 3rd of November 1968, the charge of arson that they unlawfully and feloniously set fire to a quantity of straw that was loaded on a metal trailer." Judge Elmo Taylor asked Freppon, "What`s your plea, David? Are you guilty or not guilty." Freppon answered, "Guilty, Your Honor." The judge sentenced Freppon to no less thatn 2 years and no more than 6 years at the Department of Correction. That sentence was suspended on good behavior. "None of of this ever appeared and he honestly did not think that he had a felony conviction on his record," Fulbright said. Arkansas state law requires that political candidates sign practice pledges, certifying they`ve never been convicted of a felony. Freppon has signed at least three. Current White County Judge, and Freppon`s opponent, Bob Parish would only say that this is a sad situation, but he has no other comment. The Democratic Party says they have full faith that Freppon will be exonerated. "I feel very strongly abou this being a much-to-do-about-nothing thing," Fulbright said. On the malicious mischief sentence, Freppon was sentenced to six months in jail, and a $200 fine. The fine and 90 days of that sentence were suspended, as long as Freppon made restitution. He spent three months in the county jail. The Attorney General`s office says they haven`t written an official opinion on the case yet.