Will Jones has defeated public defender Alicia “Lisa” Walton in the Sixth Judicial District’s election for prosecuting attorney. The Sixth Judicial District Office of the Prosecuting Attorney serves the largest judicial district in Arkansas and is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases filed in Pulaski and Perry Counties. Jones will succeed Larry Jegley, who is set to retire this year after serving Perry and Pulaski County in this role for 25 years.
As reported, Jones led with 30,033 votes in his favor, totaling 53.34 percent. Walton received 26,270 votes, totaling 46.66 percent. These numbers are based on 91 percent reporting.
In an earlier feature with Arkansas Money & Politics, Jones discussed his plans for running for the next prosecuting attorney, focusing on his experience and qualifications. Jones told AMP he wants to continue to protect victims of crime, making Pulaski and Perry counties safer.
“Thank you to the voters of Pulaski and Perry counties for putting your faith in me to be your next prosecuting attorney. Words cannot express my gratitude for all of our supporters and volunteers,” Jones said in a recent Facebook post. “The outpouring of support from our community for this campaign was overwhelming.”
With over 20 years of experience as a prosecutor, Jones has tried over 140 jury trials, many of which involved crimes against children and homicides. As mentioned prior to winning the election, Jones wants to address several key issues in the rising crime rates in central Arkansas.
“We need to take a tougher stance on the illegal possession of weapons. If we can prevent illegal gun possession, we can greatly reduce the amount of violent crime in our community,” Jones said in an earlier interview. Jones also emphasized the importance of implementing long term solutions such as intervention and rehabilitation in addition to ensuring juveniles get the support they need in order to be strong, responsible adults.
Walton conceded to Jones, congratulating him in his new role.
“I want to congratulate Will Jones on his win and pray for his success as our next prosecuting attorney for the Sixth Judicial District,” Walton wrote in a recent Facebook post. “His successes will be our successes and justice in our community will be under his watch.
Jones graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University and attended the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the William H. Bowen School of Law. Most recently, Jones served as the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for the 11th Judicial District, which serves Jefferson and Lincoln Counties.
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