Former De Queen Police Officer being held on criminal charges

At approximately 5:30 p.m., an adult female was booked into the Sevier County Jail and Detention Center on an unrelated criminal charge. During the booking process, she reported an alleged sexual assault involving a De Queen police officer that she stated occurred on March 26.

Upon receiving the report, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated an investigation. Investigators worked through the evening and into the early morning hours gathering information related to the allegation.

As a result of the investigation, Circuit Court Judge Tom Cooper found probable cause on April 25. De Queen Police Officer Ty Phillips was subsequently arrested and terminated by Police Chief Scott Simmons on Saturday, April 25. Phillips is currently being held at the Howard County Jail.

Phillips appeared Monday morning before Circuit Court Judge Bryan Chesshir in Pike County Circuit Court via JailLink for his initial appearance. He will be represented by Public Defender Tish Martin. His bond was set at $50,000, and Judge Chesshir issued a no-contact order with the alleged victim.

Phillips is expected to be formally charged with third-degree sexual assault by Thursday, April 30, in Sevier County Circuit Court.