Darren James Burton Arrested in Izard County Scam Plot

A multi-state fraud case came to a close over the weekend when deputies arrested a Tennessee man accused of attempting to steal money from an Izard County resident through an elaborate phone scam.
Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton reported that Darren James Burton, 30, of Clarksville, Tennessee — previously living in Jacksonville, Alabama; Hollywood, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona — was taken into custody on Nov. 23. He is currently being held in the Izard County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
Burton faces several charges in Izard County Circuit Court, including criminal attempt–theft by deception under $25,000, unlawful use of a communication device, criminal attempt–abuse of an endangered or impaired person, and unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.
The investigation began after a resident reported a mobile alert warning of a large, unauthorized bank withdrawal. Soon after, the victim received repeated calls from someone instructing them to place a specific amount of cash in a box, wrap and label it in a particular way, and leave it on their porch for pickup.
Deputies monitored the scam for several days, coordinating with the resident to track the calls and instructions. On Nov. 22, a ride-share driver arrived at the home to collect the package. Deputies detained the driver, who said he had been hired to deliver the box to a hotel in Searcy.
Working with the White County Sheriff’s Office, Izard County deputies arranged a controlled delivery at the hotel. When Burton arrived on Nov. 23 to pick up the package, he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
“This is an excellent example of community policing,” Sheriff Melton said. “A vigilant citizen reported the scam and worked closely with the sheriff’s office. With cooperation from other law enforcement agencies, we were able to achieve a positive outcome.”
Melton expressed gratitude to the White County Sheriff’s Office and Searcy Police Department for their assistance.
Authorities urge residents who receive suspicious or fraudulent communications to contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Office at 870-368-4203.