The Benton Police Department; in conjunction with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and the AR State Crime Lab, served a search warrant relating to the disappearance of Joe Lee Richards Jr.  The warrant was served at 2902 W. Main St. in Traskwood earlier on this date. 

    The investigation into Mr. Richard’s disappearance started on October 8th, 2010 after his family reported him missing. The warrant was issued after recent events in the investigation into Mr. Richards’s disappearance led officers to believe the residence in Traskwood could be a crime scene related to this case.  

    According to Sheriff Bruce Pennington, ‘This is an example of the great working relationship the Sheriff’s Office has with the Benton Police Department, FBI, and the AR State Crime Lab.”  He further added, “We are moving forward together in an attempt to resolve this case as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”  

    This is an on-going investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.  If anybody has information related to this case they are encouraged to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 303-5608, or the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or 315-TIPS.