Former El Dorado Mayor Veronica Creer has been arrested for theft following an investigation into her handling of funds from a local nonprofit organization. The arrest was made on October 1, 2024, by special agents from the Public Integrity Unit of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, according to a statement from Attorney General Tim Griffin.
The investigation was launched after it was discovered that in October 2023, Creer withdrew $23,544 from the bank account of El Dorado Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization where she had previously served as a board member. Though no longer active on the board since 2016, Creer remained a signatory on the organization’s account. The funds were withdrawn via cashier’s check and later redirected to another nonprofit, Parents United Against Youth Violence, without approval from the El Dorado Crime Stoppers board.
Upon discovering the unauthorized transfer, the El Dorado Police Department informed Jeff Rogers, the Prosecuting Attorney for the 13th Judicial District, who referred the case to the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit. Creer was arrested and processed in Union County, where she will face trial. The case will be handled by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division.
In a press release, Attorney General Griffin emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “We are all equal under the law, and I will continue to enforce the law.” He also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between his office, the El Dorado Police Department, and Prosecuting Attorney Rogers.
Creer is expected to face charges related to the unauthorized withdrawal and redirection of funds.
