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Nearly a dozen witnesses appear in 9-hour Arkansas Medical Board hearing into gastroenterologist • Arkansas Advocate

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Nearly a dozen witnesses appear in 9-hour Arkansas Medical Board hearing into gastroenterologist • Arkansas Advocate


The Arkansas State Medical Board on Thursday heard nine hours of testimony regarding a Little Rock physician who has been accused of sexual abuse and improper opioid prescriptions.

The hearing of Dr. Alonzo Williams, a gastroenterologist and medical director of the Arkansas Diagnostic Center, will continue Friday with additional witnesses. The medical board is also expected to make a decision in the case, whether it be disciplinary or otherwise.

Little Rock gastroenterologist has 30-year history of complaints against him, records show

Williams has been accused of a range of wrongdoing over the past 30 years, including questionable medical care and sexual misconduct. According to an Advocate analysis of documents obtained through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the medical board has received about two dozen complaints about Williams since 1993.

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None of the previous complaints have resulted in disciplinary action.

Williams appeared before the board Thursday with his attorney Kevin O’Dwyer, who formerly served as the medical board’s legal counsel. The attorney general’s office represented the board.

The first day of the hearing included testimony from 10 witnesses who ranged from a drug control investigator, an experienced gastroenterologist, former and current employees of Williams’ and patients who have received care from the Little Rock physician.

Witnesses called by the state largely discussed Williams’ practice habits, which they said included prescriptions for controlled substances, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and Xanax, despite reportedly knowing risks to patients and having at least one patient who tested positive for cocaine.

The state also argued Williams conducted some procedures at a concerning frequency, including biopsies and an esophagus examination called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, which can also include a dilation that stretches a patient’s narrow esophagus to help with swallowing.

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Among a sample of six of Williams’ patients, records showed he sometimes performed EGDs every month of the year. In one case, Williams performed three sedated procedures in the same month, Michael Lewis with the attorney general’s office said.

Members of the Arkansas State Medical Board listen to testimony during a hearing in Little Rock on Aug. 8, 2024. Left to right: Dr. Michael J. Birrer, Dr. Brad A. Thomas and Dr. Rodney Griffin. (Photo by Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Eduardo deMondesert, the state’s expert witness in gastroenterology, said the records he reviewed showed vague indications that Williams’ patients needed the procedures he consistently conducted.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, deMondesert also said if an EGD and dilation didn’t prove to relieve a patient’s symptoms the first time, it shouldn’t be done again. He said repeatedly falling below a standard of care as set forth by disciplinary guidelines, and thus putting patients at risk of harm, is gross negligence.

The witnesses who were patients of Williams’ spoke very highly of the care they have received. Williams’ attorney also argued the patient records the medical board reviewed accounted for a small percentage of the physician’s total patient population and represented “extreme outliers.”

One witness stated that she has needed a dilation completed every three weeks for the last three years or she will struggle to swallow, breathe, talk and work with the pain she experiences. The woman said the chronic issue has prompted her to often seek care at emergency rooms, but the staff always refers her back to Williams.

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Kim Graves, another patient of Williams’ who testified, said she has been receiving care from the physician for about 15 years. She receives a dilation about once a year and also visits Williams for her colonoscopies. 

The patients expressed a high degree of trust in Williams’ medical opinion.

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Sexual abuse allegations

Though she was absent Thursday, attorneys and witnesses made several references to a former employee of Williams’ who accused him of sexual abuse.

Bradley Diner, a state-called witness who works with the Arkansas Medical Foundation, testified that he recently met with Williams to address the possibility of a sexual compulsive disorder. In the 1980s and again in the 1990s, Williams had previous allegations brought against him.

Diner said he could not come to a conclusion whether Williams had a sex-related problem, and he recommended that a further evaluation be completed. Diner said Williams rejected such an evaluation.

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Diner said he was also unable to ascertain whether the sexual abuse complaint brought by Williams’ former employee, Rachael Hudspeth, was true or false.

Suzette Siegler, a nurse manager who works with Dr. Alonzo Williams, testifies before the Arkansas Medical Board on Aug. 8, 2024. (Photo by Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

A number of witnesses for Williams testified about Hudspeth’s behavior and referred to her as someone who was “hypersexual.” As her former coworkers, the witnesses said Hudspeth often talked about her relationships and personal life in professional settings. Hudspeth also allegedly touched at least one of her coworkers inappropriately at work and touched her breasts to at least one patient.

The witnesses said they did not file any complaints about Hudspeth with the clinic’s human resources office, stating that she was a friend and they all wanted to help her get her life on the right track. 

Hudspeth’s exit from the workplace was described as “storming out.” Suzette Siegler, a witness on Thursday and Williams’ nurse manager, found evidence after Hudspeth left that she had altered medical charts that were in Williams’ name. Siegler said she checked due to suspicions about Hudspeth’s behavior. 

Questioning by Jordan Broyles from the attorney general’s office revealed that Siegler, who signed an affidavit affirming she had collected all available records requested by board investigators, had not provided some from the clinic’s surgery center.

The hearing will begin again at 8 a.m. Friday.

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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


Arrests

Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Scott Minor, 45, of Elm Street in Jefferson City, Mo., was arrested Friday on suspicion of computer child pornography and sexually grooming a child. Minor was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with a $150,000 bond set.

Bentonville

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Damond Drake, 52, of West Highland Drive in Rogers was arrested Saturday on suspicion of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine. Drake was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Fayetteville

Cornelius Anderson, 33, of Dawn Street in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of third-degree assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, first-degree criminal mischief and theft of property. Anderson remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Eduard Korshakov, 37, of Prairie Dunes Trail in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, third-degree domestic battery and interference with emergency communications. Korshakov remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Efrain Quiroz, 29, of North Shamblin Avenue in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree battery and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Quiroz remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

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Leo Ward, 21, of West Tanner Drive in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of aggravated residential burglary and stalking. Ward was released from the Washington County Detention Center Monday on $25,000 bond.

Rogers

John Jenkins, 21, of Arkansas 351 in Jonesboro was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit/debit card. Jenkins was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Springdale

Ashlyn Neal, 19, of Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping, second-degree battery, endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest and obstruction of government operations. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Jose Neal, 37, of South Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-degree domestic battery, third-degree domestic battery, interference with emergency communications and resisting arrest. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Skyler Shane, 31, of Highway 62 in Westville, Ok., was arrested Sunday on suspicion of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, carrying a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct. Shane was released from the Washington County Detention Center Sunday on $3,500 bond.

University of Arkansas Police Department

Celso Adame-Gallegos, 19 of Jade Street in Springdale was arrested Friday on suspicion of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver. Adame-Gallegos was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol


Arkansas leaders are set to take the stage at the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon for an announcement already drawing statewide attention.

At 1 p.m., Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appear alongside Erika Kirk, the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, at the Arkansas State Capitol.

While officials with the governor’s office have not yet released details about the announcement, the joint appearance is expected to draw significant attention from political leaders and supporters across the state.

The moment also brings renewed focus to the legacy of Erika Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative activist who built one of the country’s largest student political organizations aimed at mobilizing young voters on college campuses.

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In 2025, Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunfire erupted during a gathering connected to student political programming, sending attendees scrambling for safety.

Kirk was rushed from the scene but later died from his injuries, sparking shock and an outpouring of reaction from political leaders, students, and supporters across the country.

In the weeks that followed, memorials and tributes appeared nationwide. In Arkansas, supporters and lawmakers honored Kirk’s life and work with a memorial exhibit displayed inside the Arkansas State Capitol, recognizing the influence he had on conservative youth activism and campus politics.

Following his death, Erika Kirk stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA, pledging to continue the organization’s mission and expand its outreach to students across the nation.

On Wednesday, Kirk will again be at the Arkansas State Capitol, this time standing beside Governor Sanders for a joint announcement, as leaders gather and the state waits to learn what the two will unveil.

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman. 

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped. 

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. 

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.” 

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Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon. 

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing. 

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.” 

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1. 

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After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good. 

    Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect. 

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that. 

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.” 

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era. 

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Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams. 

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third. 

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.” 

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start. 

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double. 

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But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh. 

  photo  Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively. 

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.” 

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday. 

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner. 

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said. 

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Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks. 

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

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