Arkansas PBS executive busted for meth after – Business News
A prime executive at PBS was arrested and booked on drug costs after he was pulled over by law enforcement officers in Arkansas.
Michael Hibblen, director of public affairs at Arkansas PBS, was arrested after Pulaski County deputies allegedly discovered methamphetamine in his car during a site visitors stop earlier this week, authorities stated.
Deputies pulled Hibblen over round 9 p.m. on Monday on Interstate 40 westbound after clocking him at 80 mph in a 60 mph zone, based on an arrest report obtained by KATV-TV.
Michael Hibblen, director of public affairs at Arkansas PBS, was arrested earlier this week. michael-hibblen/LinkedIn
The longtime journalist informed deputies he was heading home after dropping off a good friend at a gasoline station close to the Prothro Junction exit, police stated.
Hibblen consented to a search of his vehicle. Deputies then found what they described as “crystal-like shards” in a cupholder that they suspected was methamphetamine, the report stated.
He was taken into custody and booked into the Pulaski County Jail on costs of dashing and possession of a Schedule II managed substance, a Class D felony.
The car was impounded, and the suspected meth was despatched to the Arkansas Crime Lab for evaluation, deputies stated.
Arkansas PBS confirmed Hibblen’s arrest in a assertion Wednesday, calling it a “personnel matter that this agency takes seriously.”
Deputies pulled Hibblen over round 9 p.m. on Monday on Interstate 40 in Arkansas. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department
“Immediately upon learning about this situation, Michael was placed on suspended leave without pay, pending review,” the state-run broadcaster stated.
Hibblen has labored at Arkansas PBS since 2023, overseeing manufacturing of the weekly public affairs show “Arkansas Week” and reside protection of state authorities conferences on the Arkansas Citizens Access Network, based on his LinkedIn account.
Before becoming a member of the community, Hibblen spent more than a decade as information director at NPR affiliate KUAR-FM 89.1 in Little Rock and earlier labored as a reporter and editor at WLRN-FM in Miami.
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He additionally authored the 2017 e book “Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas” and has contributed to NPR News and the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
His arraignment earlier than Pulaski County District Court is scheduled for Jan. 13.
Arkansas PBS declined to remark additional, citing the continued personnel review.
The community didn’t say whether or not Hibblen will return to his post pending the result of the felony case.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office didn’t instantly reply to questions concerning the site visitors stop or whether or not extra costs may very well be filed.
Hibblen has not publicly commented on his arrest.
