Crime Stoppers recognize pair of founding members

Crime Stoppers recognize pair of founding members

Anthony, Pratt honored for more than 30 years of service

news@theeveningtimes.com

Crittenden County Crime Stoppers extended gratitude to two founding members Ethyl Pratt and Eleanor Anthony last Friday. Crime Stoppers, an anonymous crime information hotline, was launched in 1985.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information on specific cases local law enforcement needs help in solving.

“They served very well as founding members and have served faithfully for a number of years,” said Mary Toney another founding member.

One top cop said his relationship with Mrs. Anthony started well before Crime Stoppers was ever thought about. Marion Police Chief Gary Kelly said he grew up in Horseshoe Lake and went to school in Hughes where Anthony taught him.

“She did right,” said Kelly, “She taught me to read. She took care of a lot of kids with the reading lab.”

Sheriff Mike Allen was also on hand to recognize the foundation work of Anthony and Pratt. The Sheriff provided an overview and a history of Crittenden County Crime Stoppers as he talked to Toney at the gathering.

“It’s been one of the positive things,” said Allen.

“There are times when cases investigations just hit a brick wall and you put something out on Crime Stoppers and we get a response. It works well. People realize they can get money if they give information anonymously and don’t have to testify in court. All of the sudden you get a tip and just heat up a cold case. It’s been a great asset to law enforcement in Crittenden County.”

Crittenden County Crime Stopper awards out pace even the City of Memphis.

“We are probably one of the only agencies in the area that make awards up to $2,000 depending on the crime,” said Allen. “We realize that $1,000 just isn’t the same as it was when it started in 1985.”

Award money is funded through any law enforcement agency but is funded by donations.

“It comes strictly from donations and even from the criminals themselves,” said Allen. “Mary Toney and former State Representative Scott Ferguson were instrumental in getting legislation passed that criminals pay a $50 “donation” upon pleading guilty to a felony charge that comes into our crime stopper program. It’s part of their court fees and fines.”

Before that legislation, fundraising was a direct effort. Pratt and Anthony were there at the beginning and helped find funding streams to get the program going.

“We used to stand at intersections with cans,” said Allen. “Years ago West Memphis City Council passed a voluntary measure where you could put a dollar on your utility bill for Crime Stoppers. It helped pay the rewards.”

“Prior to that we paid dues when we came on the board to get Crime Stoppers started,” said Toney.

The sheriff knew the county Crime Stoppers number right of the top of his head, (870) 732-4444.

By John Rech