HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — On Tuesday, December 2, Arkansas State Police (ASP) obtained an arrest warrant for former Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin Sr., on new felony charges for failure to file income taxes.

Franklin was informed of the warrant and surrendered to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, December 5. He was booked on felony attempt to evade and defeat tax charges.

These charges follow Franklin’s June 24, when he was charged with four felony counts for failing to pay or file a state tax return.

The investigation began in June of 2024, after concerns were raised about Franklin’s tax filings. Officials then determined that Franklin had not filed state tax returns for four of the past five years.

State police also charged a second individual, 29-year-o

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