David Clay Fowlkes, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas
A former sheriff of Hot Spring County, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to engaging in a scheme to conceal a material fact from a governmental agency. The sentencing took place before Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey at the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
Derek “Scott” Finkbeiner, 47, was elected sheriff in January 2023. By May of that year, federal agents became aware of his use of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. In August 2023, when Finkbeiner learned about a federal investigation involving his drug supplier, he attempted to mislead authorities regarding his connection to the individual under investigation.
Court documents show that between August 19 and August 24, 2023, Finkbeiner intentionally provided false information and concealed facts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his relationship with the target of their probe. He admitted being present at the target’s residence during an FBI-controlled narcotics purchase and using drugs with the target. After learning about the FBI’s investigation, Finkbeiner lied about both his own relationship and that of the Hot Spring County Sheriff Department with the subject in an effort to divert attention from himself.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas announced the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris and Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Achorn and Trent Daniels prosecuted.
