2 former Conway School District maintenance department employees have been arrested following an Arkansas State Police investigation into the alleged theft and misuse of public funds.
Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested former Maintenance Department Supervisor Bruce Harrell, 56, and former employee Justin Turney, 55.
Both men were booked into the Faulkner County Detention Center on September 1, 2026.
According to Arkansas State Police, Harrell and Turney each face 3 felony counts of Theft of Property.
Both men were given a $1,500 bond.
The investigation began September 24, 2025, at the request of the 20th Judicial District Prosecutor.
Arkansas State Police said Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents discovered that Harrell allegedly allowed maintenance employees to use Conway School District tools and supplies for personal projects.
Investigators also allege Harrell used district tools and supplies for his own purposes.
The investigation further revealed that Turney allegedly replaced an engine in a vehicle belonging to one of Harrell’s family members using Conway School District resources.
An audit conducted by Arkansas Legislative Audit identified multiple unauthorized and questionable purchases connected to the investigation.
According to Arkansas State Police, the audit identified:
$27,359 in unauthorized general purchases
$3,400 in automotive parts
$1,682 to purchase paint for personal use
Those 3 categories total $32,441.
Arkansas State Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
No additional details are available for release at this time.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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