Austin McCollum arrested again on stalking charge in Benton County
Former state representative Austin McCollum faces new charges in Benton County following his second arrest on Sept. 29. Prosecutors now seek to revoke his jail release on prior felony charges. Court documents outline the new allegations against the 35-year-old former Benton County judge candidate.
Authorities charged McCollum with one count of first-degree stalking and violation of a protection order. His first arrest occurred on Aug. 1. He was charged with domestic battering, false imprisonment and aggravated assault. McCollum pleaded not guilty to those earlier charges.
Documents from the first arrest state McCollum argued with his wife at home while allegedly intoxicated. McCollum reportedly punched her face, split her eyebrow and threw her down. He then pinned her and repeatedly slammed her head into the ground.
His wife filed for divorce and obtained an order of protection. The orders barred him from her home, her workplace, her church and the children’s school. Court documents state McCollum violated both a criminal no-contact order and the protective order.
Benton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robinson filed a motion on Sept. 30 to revoke McCollum’s release. The filing details multiple alleged violations:
- Aug. 19: McCollum allegedly called his wife’s phone, which his lawyer called accidental. A probable cause affidavit stated authorities took no action then.
- Sept. 22: McCollum reportedly attended a Springdale school open house where his wife was present. School security escorted her to her car, where McCollum had parked nearby.
- Sept. 28: A witness allegedly spotted McCollum in the school parking lot.
- Sept. 29: Observers reportedly saw McCollum on the sidewalk across from the school during morning drop-off.
A state exhibit requests a $150,000 bond. The state also requests a continuous ankle monitor if he posts bail.
A motion to revoke bond asks a court to cancel pretrial release when a defendant violates release conditions. Judges consider whether new criminal conduct or protective order violations occurred before ruling on jail status.
McCollum must appear in a Benton County court on Dec. 1 for his initial charges. Officials have not set a date for the new case.
