Rick Cross Retracts False Claim About Saline County Sheriff Candidate Richard Friend….Well….Sort Of

Saturday, I ran an article on my investigation into Cross’ claim that Saline County Sheriff candidate James Richard Friend had a Protection Order issued against him in Lawrence County Circuit Court.

Probably the easiest investigation I have ever done as it took me less than 15 minutes to gather Court records proving Cross’ claim was 100% False.

In the article I exposed Cross’ false claim against Friend which really sent him in his feelings.

This morning, I messaged him with further proof showing his claim to be false.

I asked him if he was going to issue a public retraction of his claim.

This afternoon Cross posted what he calls a retraction….but I gotta tell you…. it ain’t much of one.

Cross now admits that the Protection Order out of Lawarence County that he claimed was for James Richard Friend is actually for a resident of the city of Hoxie by the name of Richard James Friend….Something I had already pointed out in my article.

However instead of owning up and taking responsibility, Cross blames the State website Court Connect.

The Court Connect website allows citizens the ability to see and download Court filings.

Cross stated – “For clarity, the initial inquiry was prompted by information obtained through Arkansas Court Connect, where a unique Court Connect identification number was associated with a verified court record involving James Richard Friend.

Guess what ?….There are no “unique Court Connect identification numbers” ….there are only Court Case Numbers of which none associate James Richard Friend with the case involving Richard James Friend nor the Plaintiff in that case, Kristi Croom.

By the way that Case Number is 38DR-15-7 in case you are interested.

Look, either Cross is completely incompetent….dishonest….or both.

From his original post, his comments about my article, and his so-called retraction, my money is on all three.

Now you would think Cross would also man up and apologize to candidate Richard Friend for putting false information out about him, right ?

Au contraire Pierre….That’s French for….Not a chance in Hell.

Here’s the deal.

I get being passionate about your support for a candidate….Nothing wrong with that.

But when that passion transforms to Dishonest, Unethical behavior then that is wrong and should be called out.

Not only has Cross lost all credibility, he has also hurt the candidate he is supporting….Dustin Robertson.

Oh, and the picture I used of him….One of his profile pics….I kid you not.

#FactsNotFiction

Jimmie Cavin

Professional Bully Fighter I investigate and report on issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government. I am strong conservative however I bring Truth and Facts regardless of Party affiliation….My hashtag is #FactsNotFiction