Ashdown Woman Charged in Alleged Cattle Sale Loan Fraud Case

An Ashdown woman has been charged with defrauding a secured creditor after investigators allege she failed to apply cattle sale proceeds toward an outstanding loan, according to an affidavit from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.

Thirty-four-year-old Megan Wright-Halliday is accused in connection with a Class D felony charge stemming from the handling of livestock sale proceeds tied to a loan held by Horatio State Bank.

The investigation began in April after members of the Wright family contacted authorities regarding possible financial misconduct involving estate funds belonging to Allan Gregory “Greg” Wright, who died Dec. 26, 2025.

Investigators reported that the estate had a loan balance of approximately $214,313.99 with cattle pledged as collateral. Records show 33 head of cattle were sold after Wright’s death, generating about $66,594 in proceeds, with Wright-Halliday listed as seller and payee.

According to the affidavit, the funds were deposited into an account belonging to Wright-Halliday and later moved through multiple transactions. Investigators say there is no record the proceeds were applied to the loan, which remained unpaid as of June 5.

Authorities concluded the funds were diverted while the secured debt remained outstanding, leading to the charge of defrauding a secured creditor under Arkansas law.

All criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.