HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — Former Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin Sr., 44, is facing new felony charges after Arkansas State Police obtained an arrest warrant related to failure to file income taxes, officials announced.
According to authorities, the warrant was issued on December 2, 2025, following an ongoing investigation by the Arkansas State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Franklin was notified of the warrant and voluntarily surrendered to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on December 5, where he was booked on a felony charge of Attempt to Evade and Defeat Tax.
The new charge follows Franklin’s earlier arrest on June 24, 2025, when he was charged with four felony counts of failing to pay or file a state tax return. The investigation began in June 2024 at the request of First Judicial District Prosecutor Todd Murray, after concerns were raised regarding Franklin’s tax filings.
Investigators determined that Franklin allegedly failed to file state income tax returns for four of the last five years. He was processed and released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on January 5, 2026.
In a related case, SIU investigators also charged Josiah Walker, 29, with felony Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax. Walker surrendered to authorities on December 10, 2025, and was similarly released on his own recognizance. He is also scheduled for a court appearance on January 5, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing.
