On 5/18/15, detectives with the Benton Police Department arrested three suspects for felony tax and computer related charges. The three suspects were identified as (Kendall) Shane Pigue (48 YOA), Lara Pigue (46 YOA), and Kimberly McClendon (44 YOA), all of Benton.
This was part of a six month investigation conducted by detectives with the Benton Police Department in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This investigation was launched due to suspicious activity and improprieties involving the Wally Hall Tournament of Champions. Numerous search warrants were executed and evidence was collected leading investigators to develop probable cause to charge these individuals.
Lara and Shane Pigue are both charged with 3 counts of False or Fraudulent Report (Tax related), 2 counts of Failure to Pay or File Tax Returns, 3 counts of Criminal Conspiracy, and 3 counts of Computer Fraud. McClendon is charged with 3 counts of False or Fraudulent Report, 3 counts of Criminal Conspiracy, and 3 counts of Computer Fraud. This is an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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