Monticello Live

Andrea Chambers, a longtime participant in the local nonprofit dog rescue organization, Second Chance Fur Dogs, pleaded “no contest” to a reduced charge, Wednesday, of misdemeanor “falsifying business records,” in dealing with missing funds, while she was the group’s treasurer.

Judge Robert Gibson sentenced Chambers to one year of unsupervised probation, and ordered her “not to handle any cash for any nonprofit,” while she is on probation.

Chambers also agreed to make a $1500 “donation” to the Second Chance charity.

MPD’s investigator testified that Chambers allegedly received $15,000 in funds to purchase a van for the charity. Documentation only shows that $12,000 was spent on the van. The investigation was not able to confirm where the other $3000 went to.

According to Monticello Mayor Jason Akers, the City of Monticello has seen a 46% reduction of traffic accidents. 

The Mayor attributes the reduction to a focused effort by the City to address Monticello’s formerly high rate of traffic accidents. In 2019, there were 475 traffic accidents within the city limits. 2024 numbers show a reduction of 218 accidents since that time. 

“That’s 218 fewer chances for our loved ones to get hurt.”

In addition to safer streets, the reduction in accidents also means an estimated 3.2 million fewer dollars in claims filed. MPD has also saved countless man hours from working accidents and paperwork associated with accidents. 

According to the Mayor, “The most significant benefit is the reduction of injuries to our citizens. The safety of our community is priority one”. 

Traffic control devices such as speed bumps and signage, striping streets and law enforcement efforts are all proven methods to reduce accidents. 

Amy Abney, former president of Second Chance Fur Dogs, a local Monticello charity, acccepted a guilty plea, Wednesday, in Drew County Circuit Court for theft of property.

Abney also agreed to reimburse the charity $20,000, with $8000 of that to be paid immediately.

Statements from court indicate that she “borrowed” the money out of a lock box at a local bank, with one other person’s knowledge from the group, but not with the board’s permission.

It was suggested during court, that the 10 year probation would give Abney enough time to fully reimburse the charity.

She has agreed to testify against another defendant, in a separate case involving the charity’s missing funds.

Sunday marked 5 years since the disappearance of Marquis Martin. Since taking Office as Drew County Sheriff in 2023 we have worked alongside members of the Arkansas State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies in efforts to solve this case. We have searched areas looking for evidence such as dry land and water. We have conducted countless interviews and have contacted various crime labs within the country to help assist in possible further forensic studies. The efforts of our Office is to bring closure to a grieving family and answers to the community. I know many have said I promised to solve this case however, that has never crossed my lips because I cannot in good conscience make such a promise even when I wish and pray I could. With this being said I want to ensure each of you that we are continually looking for answers and my prayer is that we bring justice to those responsible.
Please keep in mind that this investigation is still ongoing.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Tim Nichols

Tuesday, around 10:24 AM, Lacey Reed Morgan, age 27 of Monticello, was a passenger in a Ford F150 pick up, that was attempting to park on the southbound shoulder of the 3600 block  of Highway 425, near two other vehicles, a Toyota pick up and a Chrysler sedan. (more…)

Around 4:30 pm, New Year’s Day, the driver of this Acura lost control of their vehicle while traveling on Oakland Street, near Gabbert.

The impact from the car caused the power pole to snap, wrapping the car with electric wires.

After officers from MPD arrived, the driver fled the scene on foot, and was quickly apprehended, and faces multiple charges pertaining to the wreck.