A Magnolia, Ark., man who caused more than $1,000 in damages to a new Arkansas Department of Transportation visitors center on Highway 71 in April was sentenced Tuesday to five years' probation.
Dustin Wade Otwell, 37, must also pay restitution as determined by the probation department, various fees and costs and a $2,500 fine. Otwell appeared Tuesday afternoon with Texarkana lawyer Josh Potter before Circuit Judge Carlton Jones. Potter and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Black told Jones they agreed to resolve the case with a plea bargain.
In addition to making restitution to the state, Otwell must participate in and complete treatment for substance abuse as ordered by the probation department. Black said Otwell's vandalism appears to be connected to a drug problem.
If Otwell violates the conditions of his probation for felony criminal mischief he could be ordered to serve up to six years in prison.
The Miller County Sheriff's Office began investigating after receiving a call April 30 about vandalism to the Welcome Center on Highway 71 North. Plumbing, sewer, electronics and landscaping were damaged in the early morning hours. Using video surveillance, MCSO Investigator Sam McJunkins identified a red Chevrolet pickup involved in the destruction.
After sending out an inquiry to all members of the MCSO, Cpl. Phillip Hardeman and Deputy Byron Bryant were able to provide the truck's license plate number, leading McJunkins to Otwell.
Otwell was arrested in May and spent several nights in the Miller County jail before posting a $25,000 bond.