Pair of East Arkansas Men Charged in Child Sex Sting

Pair of East Arkansas Men Charged in Child Sex Sting

ST. FRANCIS COUNT – Two Arkansas men have been arrested in Internet sting operations after authorities say they tried to meet with teenage girls for sex.

William Long, Jr., 44, of Brinkley, targeted what he believed was a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of having sex, the First Judicial Drug Task Force said. Authorities said over the course of a three-day investigation, Long discussed sexual acts and methamphetamine use with the person.

On Friday, Long drove from Brinkley, to St. Francis County to meet what he believed was a child, authorities said.

Billy Coulter, 34, of West Memphis was arrested Saturday. Investigators say he messaged what he believed was a 15-year-old on social media, sending her sexually explicit messages and photos and asking to meet with her.

Saturday, he drove to a truck stop in St. Francis County with a condom in his pocket and marijuana in his truck to pick the girl up, authorities said.

He was taken into custody by special agents with the task force and officers with Palestine Police Department and charged with felony Internet stalking of a child.

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Dogs Targeted in Shelter Attack

HELENA-WEST HELENA – Dogs have been targeted for a second time at an east Arkansas shelter.

The Humane Society of the Delta says five dogs were injured Saturday night.

Last week, multiple dogs were injured in what the shelter described as a “bloodbath.”

Workers at the shelter said they don’t have money for any type of security and have asked for help to install a security system in light of the attack.

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Arkansas Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services says unemployment in the state fell to 3.5 percent last month – the lowest level ever recorded.

The agency says Arkansas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent in August and decreased one-tenth of a percentage point in September.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state’s unemployment rate declined for the third consecutive month. Non-farm payroll jobs in Arkansas increased by 19,000 in September to almost 1.26 million.

Bureau spokeswoman Susan Price says September's unemployment rate is the lowest in Arkansas' recorded history, breaking last year's record low of 3.6 percent.

Six major industry sectors posted job gains in September including government, which added 12,900 jobs. Jobs in educational and health services and professional and business services also increased last month.