A multi-agency investigation that shook the Saline County community has concluded in the courtroom.Prosecuting Attorney Chris Walton announced Wednesday that Brian Keith Cooper, Jr., of Benton, has pled guilty to one count of rape and four counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving children (CSAM). Read more below.
Circuit Judge Ken Casady followed the State’s recommendation, sentencing Cooper to 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, followed by a 10-year suspended imposition of sentence.
Cooper’s arrest on May 2, 2025, by Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent Harris was the culmination of an intense investigation launched in December 2024. The probe began after law enforcement intercepted multiple cyber tips linking explicit digital activity to Cooper’s cell phone and devices associated with the Turtle Creek Fire Department, where he was then employed.
In late April 2025, search warrants executed at Cooper’s home on Timberlake Drive in Benton and the Turtle Creek Fire Department uncovered extensive child sexual abuse material across his electronic devices. According to prosecutors, once the details of the investigation surfaced publicly, a rape victim bravely came forward to law enforcement to disclose the abuse she had suffered.
During the plea hearing, deputy prosecuting attorneys Shea Long and Carrie Robertson put the official facts of the case on the record. Multiple victims and family members stepped forward to deliver emotional victim impact statements before Judge Casady officially handed down the 30-year sentence. Cooper was represented in the matter by attorney David Horn.
Cooper, 29, previously had ties to local public safety agencies, prompting local officials to heavily distance themselves from him following his 2025 arrest.
He was formerly employed as an officer with the Haskell Police Department, starting in October 2019. He resigned in July 2021 after misconduct allegations surfaced. In August 2021, a local parent presented evidence to the Haskell City Council implicating Cooper in misconduct involving underage females. The council subsequently voted unanimously to pursue his law enforcement decertification.
The Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training formally decertified Cooper on May 12, 2022, stripping him of his credentials and rendering him permanently ineligible to serve in Arkansas law enforcement. Following his police resignation, Cooper worked as a firefighter at the Turtle Creek Fire Department until his arrest.
Following the sentencing, Prosecuting Attorney Chris Walton praised the courage of those who helped secure the lengthy prison sentence:
“The victims and family members that came forward to work with us deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their brave actions. Understandably, nobody wants to discuss private details of abuse to strangers. But these individuals did that and their voices were heard.”
Walton also extended gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office for their collaborative investigative work. He highlighted the staff at the Cooper Anthony Child Advocacy Center in Benton for their vital role in providing ongoing care and support services to the children impacted by the case.
“Brian Keith Cooper Jr. violated trust on multiple levels,” Walton stated. “His predatory behavior merited his removal from our community and placement in the penitentiary. I hope his time in prison will provide the victims with a better opportunity to move towards healing.”
TIMELINE:
Oct 1, 2019 — Hired by Haskell Police — Cooper begins his employment as a law enforcement officer with the Haskell Police Department.
Jul 16, 2021 — Resignation Amid Misconduct — Cooper resigns from the Haskell Police Department following internal allegations of misconduct.
Aug 9, 2021 — Community Disclosures — A local parent presents evidence to the Haskell City Council implicating Cooper in misconduct involving underage females. The City Council votes unanimously to strip him of his law enforcement credentials.
May 12, 2022 — Official Decertification — The Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training formally votes to decertify Cooper, making him permanently ineligible to serve as a police officer in Arkansas. He later finds employment with the Turtle Creek Fire Department.
Dec 2024 — Cyber Tips Spark New Investigation — Arkansas State Police launch a fresh investigation after receiving multiple cyber tips linking Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to Cooper’s phone and devices at the Turtle Creek Fire Department.
Apr 29, 2025 — Multi-Agency Raids — State and federal agencies execute search warrants at Cooper’s Timberlake Drive home in Benton and the Turtle Creek Fire Department, uncovering explicit material on his electronics.
May 2, 2025 — Arrest and New Disclosures — Cooper is arrested and jailed on a $300,000 bond. As the investigation hits the public eye, a rape victim bravely steps forward to report his abuse to authorities.
Jun 2026 — Guilty Plea and 30-Year Sentence — Cooper pleads guilty to one count of rape and four counts of CSAM violations. Judge Ken Casady sentences him to 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of a suspended sentence.
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