The longtime director of the Cleburne County Public Library is facing serious legal consequences after being arrested for allegedly misusing $78,000 in taxpayer funds, according to the Arkansas State Police (ASP).
Zackary Cothren, who had served as the library’s director for two decades, was arrested on September 11 on charges of felony theft and abuse of office. He was booked into the Cleburne County Detention Center and later released on a $5,000 bond the same day.
The investigation was launched at the request of 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith, following a report by the Arkansas Legislative Audit that flagged “questionable purchases and potential fraud by library employees.”
ASP stated that their investigation uncovered the misappropriation of approximately $78,000 in public funds. Details about the specific purchases or how the funds were diverted have not been disclosed.
Cothren’s arrest marks the second time in 12 months that an Arkansas library director has faced criminal charges. In December 2024, Dana Scott, the former Marion County Library director, was arrested for falsifying public records and failing to pay sales tax on items sold through the library. Her trial is set for November 24, 2025.
Authorities have not indicated whether more arrests are expected in connection with the Cleburne County case.
