Councilman faces domestic charges

By Staff
Jason Houston Acting Publisher
Russellville City Councilman Arthur Elliot is facing two misdemeanor criminal charges after police were called to his residence Monday, authorities said.
Police reports confirmed that the 36-year-old Elliot was charged with domestic violence menacing and domestic violence harassment, both Class A misdemeanors.
Officials said the police were called to Elliot's residence at 705 Westgate Drive around 11:30 a.m. Monday. Elliot was not at the house when police arrived, according to reports.
Warrants were taken out later in the afternoon, officials said, and Elliot went to City Hall to complete the paperwork processing the charges late Monday afternoon. He signed for bond totaling $1,500.
Elliot was not present at Monday's city council meeting. He told other councilmen that he would be away due to personal business.
When contacted Tuesday, Elliot declined to comment, referring all questions to Russellville City Attorney Jeff Bowling.
Bowling only said the charges would not effect Elliot's position as a city councilman.
Police reports indicate a weapon was involved in Monday's incident, but there were no injuries to anyone or signs of a physical altercation.
Police said Elliott turned over some number of weapons to authorities before his wife requested the warrants.
Elliot is serving his first term as city councilman, representing District 4. He was elected in August 2004. He previously served on the city's civil service board.
A court date of May 11 has been set in Russellville City Court. Bowling, who serves as city prosecutor, would likely recuse himself from the case, along with the city judge, who was appointed by the city council.