FORT SMITH / WEST MEMPHIS - A young husband and wife have been arrested in West Memphis for allegedly using the debit card of a missing former mayor. We first brought you the story Thursday at 10. Detectives are keeping details from the case quiet as they continue to investigate. A tip led them to arrest a young couple for the theft of Troy Anderson's debit card. But what connection, if any, the two may have to the mayor's disappearance, no one is saying.
"I don't want to be on camera," an unidentified family member of the couple told WREG's news crew. "I don't have a comment. Y'all can quit coming to my house. "
21-year-old Mario Maurice Dawson was arrested thursday night along with his 20 year-old wife Jasmine at a family member's West Memphis apartment. An anonymous caller identified Dawson as the man using Troy Anderson's debit card in Fort Smith. Authorities allege the pair went on a spending spree that included clothing and jewelry.
Friend Annette Rotta played cards with Anderson every tuesday night. She reacted to news of the Dawson's arrest.
"I'm glad they caught them," she said. "It's good. I just hope it will lead to where Troy's at. I'm really concerned about his well-being."
When asked if she thought his past might have played a part in his disappearance, Rotta was quick to defend her friend, saying everyone has a past.
"I think it's random, I really do. He was such a nice person he'd help anybody."
The story is now gaining national interest, mostly because of the victim's sordid past. As mayor of Waldron, Anderson faced criminal charges that stemmed from allegations he took care of a woman's water bill in exchange for sex.
Investigators from the Fort Smith Police Department traveled to West Memphis and have questioned the couple.
"I think that once we're through with the interviews there will be more leads to follow probably here and there," Sgt. Levi Risley of the FSPD said.
Anderson's vehicle was found abandoned in rural Pulaski County near Little Rock. It has been processed for possible evidence. The former Waldron mayor was first reported missing by his apartment manager who was cleaning AC units. Authorities found the bedroom carpet had been bleached and the bed sheets were missing.
"I'm pleading right now, that if you have information about Troy if you know where he's at if you know anything about him, please, please call the police," Rotta said, at the end of the interview. Detectives are not calling the Dawson's suspects in anderson's disappearance although they have been questioned. Sgt. Risley says he is not aware of the type of relationship, if any, that existed between the Dawson's and Mr. Anderson.
Troy Anderson was last seen a little more than a week ago. His son told 5NEWS Friday that the family is not making a public statement at this time.
"I don't want to be on camera," an unidentified family member of the couple told WREG's news crew. "I don't have a comment. Y'all can quit coming to my house. "
21-year-old Mario Maurice Dawson was arrested thursday night along with his 20 year-old wife Jasmine at a family member's West Memphis apartment. An anonymous caller identified Dawson as the man using Troy Anderson's debit card in Fort Smith. Authorities allege the pair went on a spending spree that included clothing and jewelry.
Friend Annette Rotta played cards with Anderson every tuesday night. She reacted to news of the Dawson's arrest.
"I'm glad they caught them," she said. "It's good. I just hope it will lead to where Troy's at. I'm really concerned about his well-being."
When asked if she thought his past might have played a part in his disappearance, Rotta was quick to defend her friend, saying everyone has a past.
"I think it's random, I really do. He was such a nice person he'd help anybody."
The story is now gaining national interest, mostly because of the victim's sordid past. As mayor of Waldron, Anderson faced criminal charges that stemmed from allegations he took care of a woman's water bill in exchange for sex.
Investigators from the Fort Smith Police Department traveled to West Memphis and have questioned the couple.
"I think that once we're through with the interviews there will be more leads to follow probably here and there," Sgt. Levi Risley of the FSPD said.
Anderson's vehicle was found abandoned in rural Pulaski County near Little Rock. It has been processed for possible evidence. The former Waldron mayor was first reported missing by his apartment manager who was cleaning AC units. Authorities found the bedroom carpet had been bleached and the bed sheets were missing.
"I'm pleading right now, that if you have information about Troy if you know where he's at if you know anything about him, please, please call the police," Rotta said, at the end of the interview. Detectives are not calling the Dawson's suspects in anderson's disappearance although they have been questioned. Sgt. Risley says he is not aware of the type of relationship, if any, that existed between the Dawson's and Mr. Anderson.
Troy Anderson was last seen a little more than a week ago. His son told 5NEWS Friday that the family is not making a public statement at this time.
