Wilson faces 1 count of 2nd Degree Forgery, a Class C felony, according to Arkansas State Police.
UPDATE JULY 2, 2026:
Arkansas State Police (ASP) confirmed on Thursday with a statement that Lou “Juanita” Wilson, age 77 of Alexander, Arkansas, an elected City Council Member, was arrested for Forgery by Special Agents with the Criminal Investigation Division.
In February 2026, at the request of Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones, ASP CID initiated an investigation involving Wilson.
The investigation revealed that Wilson forged city documents to obtain a credit card in her name using City of Alexander bank accounts, according to the ASP.
Wilson was charged with Second-Degree Forgery, booked into the Saline County Detention Center and released on her own recognizance. The investigation is ongoing.
On April 11, 2023, Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann published a statement on social media that reflects issues with Wilson’s relationship with the City’s finances:
The social media post can be found at this link.
“As Mayor I am working with The Risk Management Division to improve the security and follow best practices in City Hall. I have attached the check policy that I put in effect on the 3rd of this month.
Our City Council Member Juanita Wilson and City Treasurer Joanne Churchill’s reaction to this policy was not only disrespectful but disruptive to the day to day operations.
I was personally yelled at by Council Member Ms. Wilson in the parking lot of City Hall when I tried to explain to her about The Risk Management Division. That I will have to answer to in the near future. Instead of her coming in and signing the much needed checks she speed off in her car.
Ms. Wilson later returned to the office with City Treasurer Ms. Churchill, demanding the City Credit Card which was locked up at the time. The office member tried to get one of them to sign at least three of the checks that are city payments nearing due date. Ms. Churchill grabbed the three checks and the two of them took off out of City Hall completely ignoring the check policy.
In light of the Legislative Audit Report, one would think they would support such policies. On the contrary these two ladies have done nothing but try to road block and hinder the day to day operations since my first day in office.
Please keep coming to City Council Meetings and let your voices be heard if you are dissatisfied with any elected officials performance or behavior.
I am very grateful for everyone’s support and look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter!”
PREVIOUSLY, JULY 1, 2026
An Alexander city council member surrendered to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office on a felony forgery charge stemming from a 2023 state legislative audit, according to Arkansas State Police. Read more below.
Mayor Crystal Herrmann confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, stating the charges relate to the falsification of city documents to obtain unauthorized access to municipal bank accounts and a city credit card.
Council member Juanita Wilson turned herself in on July 1, 2026. The arrest follows an investigation by the State of Arkansas into allegations that Wilson falsified meeting minutes and a city resolution.
“With my administration being completely transparent, it is confirmed that Council member Juanita Wilson turned herself into Saline County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday July 1, 2026, for charges stemming from the 2023 Legislative Audit findings,” Herrmann said in a statement. The mayor noted the falsified documents allowed Wilson to be added to the city’s bank accounts, where she then obtained a credit card in her name under the city’s accounts.
The 2023 Financial and Compliance Report by the Arkansas Legislative Audit (image below) previously flagged noncompliance and a lack of adequate internal controls regarding the use of credit cards in the city’s Treasurer’s office. According to the audit, a city council member who was not a city employee obtained a city credit card and provided it to the Police Chief to use for purchases.
The state audit revealed that between May 2023, when the card was activated, and November 2023, when it was closed, the city paid $8,018 for purchases made on the card. Of the $5,521 in payments examined by state auditors, $5,057 lacked proper documentation to support a valid business purpose.
Herrmann emphasized a commitment to moving the city forward and ensuring accountability. “I believe that we as public officials need to do better and be held accountable just like the very citizens that vote us into office,” Herrmann said. “Our City will continue to thrive regardless of the actions of one.”
MySaline should have more information coming, so look for an update to this article soon.
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