Van Buren police officer accused of internet stalking of a child

VAN BUREN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Arkansas State Police say an officer with the Van Buren Police Department has been arrested in connection with a child stalking investigation.

The department said in a news release that Jason Scites, 45, was arrested on July 21 for one count of internet stalking of a child.

Scites’ arrest came following an investigation that uncovered evidence of inappropriate online communication between Scites and a minor.

He was arrested by the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in coordination with the Van Buren Police Department (VBPD), Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Van Buren Police Chief Jonathan Wear terminated Scites, according to the release. Wear formally submitted a decertification request to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST).

Wear gave the following statement to KNWA/FOX24 on Tuesday:

“The Van Buren Police Department was notified by the Arkansas State Police of an investigation involving one of our officers. We immediately offered full cooperation and support throughout the investigation, and some of our investigators assisted with the arrest. Upon Officer Scites’ arrest, he was immediately terminated from his position with our department.  This morning, I submitted a request to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to decertify him.

This former officer’s actions do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the men and women who proudly serve the City of Van Buren. As Chief of Police, I remain committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest ethical standards within our department. While this incident may impact trust in our profession, we will continue working to maintain the confidence of those we serve.”

Scites is being held in the Crawford County Detention Center without bond, according to his booking.

This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest.