EL DORADO, AR – In a story first reported by South Arkansas Now earlier this week, Strong Mayor Daryell Howell has been arrested on federal felony charges alleging extortion and making false statements to FBI investigators.

According to a federal indictment filed July 21, Howell faces nine criminal counts stemming from alleged actions between January 2022 and June 2025. The charges include two counts of extortion, five counts of attempted extortion, and two counts of making false statements.

The indictment does not provide specific details about the alleged conduct underlying the charges. South Arkansas Now spoke with Charlie Robbins, the Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas. He said because the investigation was ongoing, he could not provide additional information following the indictment. When asked if other arrests were expected, again, he declined to answer.

Following his arrest Tuesday, Howell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Spencer Singleton in federal court in El Dorado, where he entered a plea of not guilty. According to the indictment, Howell allegedly attempted to obtain “property not due him and his office” from both a City of Strong employee and a contractor doing business with the city. Federal prosecutors allege the extortion involving the unnamed city employee occurred between January 28, 2022, and December 29, 2023. The indictment further alleges Howell extorted the unnamed contractor on March 28 and May 17, 2024, and attempted to extort the same contractor on multiple occasions in June, August, September, October, and December of 2024.

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The indictment also accuses Howell of making false statements during an interview with an FBI special agent on June 26, 2025. According to prosecutors, Howell falsely stated that he “did not offer to prepare the personal tax returns of certain City of Strong workers,” despite allegedly knowing that statement was false. Prosecutors further allege Howell falsely told investigators that he “did not go to a La Quinta Inn hotel to collect cash from an occupant of a particular City of Strong position,” when he allegedly knew that statement was also untrue.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Howell are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The court released Howell on a $5,000 bond. His jury trial is currently scheduled to begin September 8.

UNION COUNTY, AR – The familiar sights and sounds of yellow school buses, crowded drop-off lines, and students carrying brand new backpacks returned Thursday as the 2026-27 school year officially got underway for two of Union County’s five public school districts.

Students in the El Dorado School District and Strong-Huttig School District were the first in the county to head back to class, marking the unofficial end of summer vacation for thousands of area families.

The remaining districts will begin classes over the next week:

• Junction City School District – Monday, August 10
• Parkers Chapel School District – Wednesday, August 12
• Smackover-Norphlet School District – Thursday, August 13

As classrooms fill once again, local law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that school traffic will increase dramatically over the coming days. Drivers are encouraged to leave a little earlier for work, remain patient during morning and afternoon commute times, and stay alert for children who may unexpectedly enter roadways.

School zones will once again be active, and motorists should pay close attention to reduced speed limits and crossing guards. Even a few miles per hour can make the difference in preventing a tragedy. El Dorado Police Chief Ricky Roberts said, “As in the years past, EPD Officers will be working school zones as children arrive and are let out of school each day. We ask that you slow down while traveling in and around school campus. If you are not dropping off picking up children, please avoid driving in the school zones during such times. Let’s have a safe school year for all.”

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Perhaps the most important reminder is school bus safety. Under Arkansas law, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, allowing children to safely board or exit the bus. Violating this law carries significant penalties under Isaac’s Law, legislation enacted after the tragic death of an Arkansas student who was struck by a vehicle while exiting a school bus. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about bus stop safety, using crosswalks when available, avoiding distractions such as cell phones while walking, and remaining aware of their surroundings before and after school. Safety experts also recommend that families ensure schools have current emergency contact information before the school year gets fully underway.

For many students, Thursday represented more than just the first day of classes. It marked reunions with friends, new teachers, fresh opportunities, and the beginning of another chapter in their educational journey.

Whether it’s a kindergartner climbing aboard a school bus for the very first time or a senior preparing for graduation, this begins a school year filled with possibilities.

South Arkansas Now wishes all students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and families across Union County a safe, successful, and rewarding school year.

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STRONG, AR – According to reports from inside the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Daryell Howell, the Mayor of Strong, Arkansas has been taken into custody by the FBI. No details are available from the Western District of Arkansas US Attorney’s Office as of this posting.

This is a developing story, as more details are made available, we will pass that information along.