LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) concluded its first day of hearings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with a pivotal vote regarding the professional standing of a former local K-9 officer.
The Commission voted to proceed with a formal decommission hearing for Shane Dustin Johnston, formerly of the Miller County Sheriff’s Office. The decision marks a significant step toward the potential permanent revocation of Johnston’s law enforcement certification in the state of Arkansas.
The move to decommission follows a string of legal troubles for the 44-year-old former deputy. Johnston currently faces a felony charge of theft of property (valued between $5,000 and $25,000).
According to investigative reports from the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston is accused of using a county-issued credit card—intended strictly for K-9 unit expenses—to make 90 unauthorized purchases. The total amount of the alleged personal expenditures reached $9,758.33.
Johnston has publicly defended the spending, claiming in a television interview that his online payment settings “inadvertently defaulted” to the county card during personal transactions. However, investigators noted the sheer volume of transactions—90 in total—as a point of contention.
A Pattern of Legal Hurdles
- 2018 Arrest: Johnston was previously arrested for fraudulent use of a credit card and theft. At that time, the Miller County Prosecuting Attorney’s office declined to file formal charges.
- Civil Judgments: Last year, Johnston suffered a default judgment after failing to appear in court regarding an $1,800 debt related to “vehicle modifications.”
- Tax Liens: In late 2025, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration filed a certificate of indebtedness against him for over $4,700 in unpaid income taxes. While records indicate this debt was resolved by August, it necessitated a writ of garnishment against his deputy pay.
Johnston was released on a $15,000 bond following his booking in December. While his criminal proceedings continue in the court system, the CLEST hearing will specifically determine if he is fit to remain a certified officer in Arkansas.
Johnston is represented by Texarkana attorney Shorty Barrett.