UPDATE: Theft Charges Dropped Against Garland County Deputy
By: Marci Manley, KARK 4 News
Updated: March 7, 2013
A Garland County Sheriff's Deputy pleads no contest to Arkansas Game and Fish violations, with theft charges against him dropped by prosecutors.
According to the Montgomery County Clerk, Corporal Neil Parliment pleaded no contest to hunting on land without a leasee's permission.
A misdemeanor theft charge was dropped and criminal trespass charge was reduced in a plea arrangement, according to the clerk, after the alleged victims signed a waiver of prosecution.
Parliment had been removed from duty until the matter was resolved. The office requires a disposition from the court before an employee can return to work, according to an office spokesperson.
Original Story, aired February 13, 2013:
According to the Garland County Sheriff's Office, the deputy requested to use accumulated time off in lieu of an administrative leave. The Sheriff approved that request.
Marine Patrol Officer Neil Parliment turned himself in on a warrant out of Montgomery County, and his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf today. Parliment faces misdemeanor theft and trespassing charges.
He's accused of stealing a hunting tree stand and two wild game cameras in December. All totaled, the property was worth $500.00, according to court documents.
According to the Garland County Sheriff's Office, Parliment will not be performing any law enforcement duties until the matter is resolved in court.
The warrant was issued for Parliment on February 8th in Montgomery County, but according to the Garland County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, they weren't aware their employee was wanted in a criminal case until KARK alerted them to it.
Parliment's slated to appear in Montgomery County District Court later this month.


