A former Republican state representative in Arkansas has been elected as a county judge despite facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting his wife. Austin McCollum, who previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives, won the election for Benton County judge on Tuesday.
McCollum's wife, Ragen Ashlee McCollum, has accused him of punching and choking her, according to court documents. She obtained an order of protection against him in September. The couple has two young children.
She testified that McCollum expected her to be a "Proverbs 31" wife, referencing a biblical passage about a wife's devotion to her husband and family. McCollum faced no opposition in the general election after winning the Republican primary in March. The deadline to replace him as a candidate had already passed.
McCollum has not been convicted of a felony and is currently eligible to take office in January. However, he would become ineligible if convicted while serving.
He was first arrested on August 1 on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, domestic battery, and first-degree false imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to these charges and was released on bond. Following the initial charges, McCollum resigned from his position as state representative at the request of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
His wife alleged that McCollum threw shoes at her during an argument and prevented her from leaving their bedroom, pressing his knees on her back and restricting her breathing. She also claimed he tried to convince her to clean up blood.
McCollum was arrested again on September 29 on suspicion of stalking and violating the protection order. Court documents indicate he allegedly attended his wife's workplace and a daycare center his children attend, despite the order prohibiting him from being at these locations. He was released on bond following this second arrest and required to wear an ankle monitor.
McCollum's next court date for the criminal cases is scheduled for December 1. If convicted of domestic battering and false imprisonment, he could face three to 10 years in prison for each charge. The aggravated assault charge carries a potential sentence of up to six years.
Benton County Judge Barry Moehring, whose term ends this year, has publicly stated that McCollum should not take office. Moehring expressed concern that McCollum's legal situation would undermine the public's trust and the stability of the county's operations. Moehring offered to continue serving until a replacement could be found if McCollum did not assume the judgeship.