In a shocking turn of events, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has positioned herself as a protector of children through anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, appointed a man with a troubling history to a top state prison post. Jamol Jones, who was appointed as chairman to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board, had previously been fired from a local police force for engaging in sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl. Despite the controversy surrounding his past actions, Sanders appointed him to a position of significant authority within the state’s criminal justice system. This appointment raises questions about Sanders’ commitment to the very children she claims to protect, especially considering her support for laws that restrict LGBTQ+ rights and her track record of appointing individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ views to key positions. It seems that there is a disconnect between Sanders’ rhetoric and her actions, leaving many to wonder about her true priorities when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of children.
1. Appointment of Jamol Jones
Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Jamol Jones as chairman to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board, despite his previous termination from a local police force for engaging in sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl.
2. Jones’s Admission
Jones admitted to an internal affairs investigator that he had a sexual relationship with the teen girl, but claimed he didn’t know her actual age. However, evidence suggested that he was aware of her age and continued the relationship while trying to keep it secret.
3. Lack of Charges
Although the Saline County prosecuting attorney’s office did not file charges against Jones, the Benton Police Department fired him for violating their ethics policy and state law regarding relationships with minors.
4. Lack of Vetting
State Sen. Kim Hammer and other senators claimed they had no knowledge of Jones’s actions before voting to confirm his appointment. The Governor’s office, responsible for vetting potential appointees, did not indicate any issues with Jones’s application.
5. Contradiction with “Protecting Kids” Pledge
Sanders’s appointment of Jones raises questions about her commitment to protecting children, especially considering her support for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and her appointment of individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ views to key positions. This appointment seems at odds with her stated pledge to safeguard children’s well-being.
In conclusion, the appointment of Jamol Jones by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to a top state prison post, despite his history of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor, raises serious concerns. This appointment seems contradictory to Sanders’ repeated pledges to “protect kids” through anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The fact that Jones was fired from the local police force for his actions further highlights the questionable judgment in his appointment. Additionally, Sanders’ office has not responded to inquiries about whether they were aware of Jones’ firing or how they vet potential appointees. This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment process, particularly when it comes to individuals responsible for the well-being and safety of others.
