Arkansas Republican Lawmaker Arrested on Stalking, Restraining Order Violation Charges

Austin McCollum, a 35-year-old Republican lawmaker and former state representative, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of felony stalking and violating a protection order filed by his estranged wife, Ragen.

The charges add a new layer of scandal to McCollum's increasingly public and acrimonious divorce proceedings. According to court documents, Ragen McCollum secured an Order of Protection against her husband in August, alleging instances of violent abuse. These allegations include claims of being dragged by her hair, struck with a metal coat hanger, and, in one instance, punched and choked so severely that there was "blood everywhere." She also alleged an incident where he allegedly ran her over in front of their children.

McCollum, who is currently running as a Republican candidate for Benton County judge, has denied all allegations. His legal team filed a civil counter-claim accusing Ragen of using marijuana while caring for their children, which he described as a "constant source of turmoil" in their marriage. Her attorneys have formally denied this allegation.

The divorce filings, unearthed by the Daily Mail, paint a picture of a marriage that has publicly imploded. The couple's $900,000 colonial farmhouse-style property, where they lived with their two young children, has seen Austin move out and relocate to a separate $1 million property.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders had previously called for McCollum's resignation amid the domestic abuse allegations filed in August. McCollum was also arrested in August on domestic violence claims and has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

McCollum has denied all the allegations and has yet to enter formal pleas in court for the recent charges. His arrest this week for allegedly violating a restraining order and first-degree stalking marks a significant escalation in the legal battle with his estranged wife.