by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Jamol Jones, who was recently appointed by Gov. Sarah Sanders to the Arkansas Board of Corrections (BOC), was fired from the Benton Police Department in 2018 after having a sexual relationship with a minor, according to city records.

The revelation comes as a conflict continues between the BOC and Gov. Sanders over actions taken by former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri and Sanders’ demands to add more beds to the prison system.

Jones, of Benton, was appointed in late January to the BOC as chair of the Post-Prison Transfer Board. The position serves at the will of the governor, and Jones replaced John Felts.

According to information provided to Talk Business & Politics by the City of Benton, Jones was hired April 25, 2018, as a police officer by the Benton Police Department. Several months later, Jones would begin a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female after meeting at Planet Fitness.

Gov. Sanders’ Board of Corrections appointee fired from police department in 2018 over sexual misconduct

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that she will appoint Jamol Jones to the Arkansas Parole Board.

Jones’ appointment will expire on January 14, 2030, and he will be replacing Jerry Riley.

“Today, I am appointing former police officer and Army veteran Jamol Jones to serve on the Parole Board,” Sanders said. “I am confident that he will work to ensure violent, repeat offenders are kept off the streets while also providing opportunities for those in prison to see positive behavioral change by focusing on mental health, faith-based programs, and workforce skills. His prior law enforcement experience makes him a clear choice to take on this important role, and I look forward to working together as we empower Arkansans with a safer, stronger state.”

Jamol Jones Bio:

Jamol L. Jones is an Army veteran and a former police officer with the U.S. Department of Defense, Benton Police Department, and most recently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Jamol was a Corporal assigned to the patrol and training divisions. As a Corporal, he trained the department in defensive tactics, use of force, low and high-risk traffic stops, and physical fitness.

He is a native of Benton, Ark, and a graduate of Benton High School, Arkansas Tech University, and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. Jamol and his wife and children are devoted members of the First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock where they serve in various capacities of ministry.