Jonesboro, Ark. – The Jonesboro Police Department terminated Officer Clayton Edward Wilson on Sept. 3 after an internal investigation revealed he was absent from work for more than five hours on Aug. 28 while still clocked in, and that he misled his supervisors about his location.
Investigation uncovers extended absence
According to statements from Lt. Jacob Daffron and Sgt. Chad Hogard, Wilson was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division on light duty when his supervisors began searching for him in the early afternoon of Aug. 28. Daffron noted Wilson was missing from the division at about 1:30 p.m., and detectives reported not seeing him since earlier that morning.
Hogard sent a text at 1:41 p.m. asking Wilson where he was, followed by a phone call at 1:50 p.m. after receiving no reply. Wilson responded at 1:52 p.m. that he had gone to get gas and was on his way back. When asked again about his whereabouts, he claimed he was sitting in his car because his neck and back were bothering him.
Camera footage and supervisor statements
Review of department cameras placed Wilson’s departure at 8:41 a.m. (Daffron’s account says 8:42 a.m.). All three accounts agree he returned at 2:19 p.m., meaning he was away for roughly 5½ hours. Upon his return, Daffron and Hogard questioned him in Daffron’s office. Both supervisors wrote that Wilson admitted lying about getting gas; instead, he said he had been sitting in a driveway near West Nettleton Avenue and Smoot Drive because of neck and back discomfort.
Hogard reported Wilson felt he was “in the way” in the division and believed no one would notice his absence. Capt. Scott Baker noted that camera footage showed Wilson exiting southbound Interstate 555 onto Caraway Road on his way back, raising questions about whether he visited his home in Hoxie. Wilson denied traveling to Hoxie, and the records do not confirm either claim.
Termination and departmental response
Captain Baker briefed Police Chief Rick Elliott on the incident on Aug. 28 and presented his findings on Sept. 1. Assistant Chief Waterworth’s Sept. 3 summary indicated Wilson had a history of being difficult to locate or absent without leave, and that he made no effort to further his knowledge, engage with detectives, or assist with cases.
When Chief Elliott attempted to discuss the matter with Wilson on Sept. 3, supervisors again could not locate him, and he had not disclosed his whereabouts to anyone in the division. He was later found sitting in his vehicle in the department parking lot. Chief Elliott terminated Wilson’s employment that day, and Captain Baker recorded, “The allegations of being absent from work while clocked‑in and dishonesty are sustained.” The internal complaint, numbered PS 26‑049, lists both attendance and dishonesty findings as sustained, with termination recorded as the disciplinary action.
Impact on the department
The case underscores the department’s commitment to accountability and integrity among its officers. By promptly investigating the absence, reviewing surveillance, and taking decisive action, the Jonesboro Police Department aims to maintain public trust and ensure that officers uphold the standards expected of them.
Residents with concerns or questions about the department’s policies on attendance and conduct are encouraged to contact the Jonesboro Police Department’s public affairs office.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
