ARRESTS MADE IN UA GRADE-CHANGING INCIDENT

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. --- After a two-month investigation by the University of Arkansas Police Department in conjunction with the City of Fayetteville Prosecutor’s Office, warrants were issued this week for the arrest of six individuals for unlawfully altering grades at the University of Arkansas.

On Monday and Tuesday, five individuals were arrested for violations of Arkansas Code 5-37-225, "Use of false transcript, diploma, or grade report from postsecondary educational institution," a misdemeanor offense, according to the Prosecutor’s office. They are:

• Fallon Fe’Sha Harris, 20, from Wilson, currently enrolled as a non-degree freshman.
• Kenya Lashalle Jackson, 30, from Fayetteville, currently enrolled as a graduate student (master’s) in health sciences.
• Keith Michael Turner, 21, from New Orleans, currently enrolled as a sophomore majoring in communications. He also is a Razorback football player.

Also arrested was Shammel Carmelitta Brown, 24, a former student last enrolled in the 2001 summer session and a former clerical assistant I in the Office of the Registrar.

A sixth individual was arrested Wednesday morning: Stacy A. Smith, 21, of Little Rock, currently enrolled as a sophomore majoring in accounting.

All six were booked and released after posting bond, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.

In addition, the investigation by the University of Arkansas System's Office of Internal Audit remains ongoing at present. Designed to test the integrity of the overall grade reporting system, the Internal Audit investigation involves a random sampling of hundreds of student records over the last several years. This investigation will continue as long as necessary.

As the investigations continue, University officials are considering corrective actions that may be necessary in the policies and procedures of the Office of the Registrar.

"One corrective action we have already put in place is a prohibition on students or student-employees working in the Registrar's Office," said University Provost Bob Smith.

"There will be other corrections as necessary," Smith added. "The University is committed to protecting the integrity of student academic records and the process for authorized grade changes. After we have the opportunity to review all of the information gathered in these two investigations, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that academic dishonesty such as this can never occur again."

In addition to criminal charges, the individuals arrested will face charges under the Student Code of Conduct, according to Brian Hemphill, associate vice chancellor and dean of students. The University Judicial Board, composed of faculty and students, will be responsible for reviewing the case.