Update: Faulkner Co. Sheriff's Office to Trade Sniper Rifle for AR-15s

A high-powered sniper rifle used essentially as a toy for Faulkner County officials has finally been put to good use.

In September, KARK 4 News brought you the story about the sniper rifle purchased at a price tag of around $12,000 with state funds that was being kept at the county administrator's home.

The investigation last year revealed that the 50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle had been given to county administrator Jeff Johnston, who kept it at his home and even admitted to federal investigators that he'd fired it while drunk.

The rifle has the capability to shoot accurately from a mile and a half away.

The Sheriff in Faulkner County said even though it had since been rightfully returned to them, they had no real use for it, and so it was just sitting in his office collecting dust.

But after the vice president of the company that manufactured the rifle saw the KARK 4 News story, he contacted the prosecutor in Faulkner County and has now offered to take the rifle back.

The manufacturer's executive also offered to give the drug task force in that community four AR-15 rifles, which they say can be put to much better use.

Continuing Coverage:

• Sniper Rifle Bought with Public Funds in Faulkner Co.