Faulkner County, Arkansas – A former Faulkner County Detention Center official has been arrested following allegations of misconduct involving an inmate. Robert Doyal, who served as a lieutenant at the facility, resigned from his position on August 4 and now faces multiple felony charges.
According to authorities, Doyal is charged with two counts of furnishing prohibited articles to an inmate and one count of third-degree sexual assault. The charges stem from an alleged relationship between Doyal and a female inmate, which violated both legal and professional boundaries.
Doyal is currently being held at the Cleburne County Detention Center and is awaiting court appearances to address the charges. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the case is part of a broader effort to hold correctional staff accountable and ensure that the safety and rights of inmates are protected.
In response to the arrest, the Faulkner County Detention Center released a statement expressing disappointment and anger over the actions of one of their former staff members. “We are angry and disappointed that one of our own chose to break the oath they swore to uphold. We are entrusted with great responsibility, and, when that trust is betrayed, it dishonors the badge, the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, and the community we serve. No one is above the law. Accountability will be enforced,” the statement read.
The facility’s leadership stressed that maintaining the integrity of the detention center is paramount, and that such breaches of trust are taken very seriously. Officials also highlighted that investigations into allegations of misconduct are conducted thoroughly to protect both inmates and the community at large.
This arrest has raised concerns about oversight and accountability within detention facilities, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of policies designed to prevent inappropriate relationships between staff and inmates. Legal experts note that cases like Doyal’s can carry severe penalties, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system treats violations of this nature.
For now, Robert Doyal remains in custody, and the legal process will determine the outcome of the charges against him. Faulkner County authorities and the detention center leadership have reiterated their commitment to transparency and ensuring that all staff uphold the highest standards of conduct while serving the community.
