Buffalo Island Central basketball coach arrested

Buffalo Island Central head basketball coach Brandon Ballard was arrested at approximately 11:28 p.m. Monday. He faces a charge of computer child pornography over communication with a student in another school district according to a Buffalo Island School District news release.

He has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Buffalo Island Central superintendent Gaylon Taylor released the following statement regarding the arrest.

“The Buffalo Island School District is taking this matter seriously and will investigate it to determine if any additional action is necessary," the statement says. "Mr. Ballard will remain off duty indefinitely while the district’s investigation continues. He is not permitted on campus or around students during this time.”

He is currently incarcerated in the Pike county jail, and formal charges are expected to be filed on Wednesday.

Ballard helped to lead Buffalo Island Central to a state championship in 2005, and was named Mr. Basketball in Arkansas for his efforts. He was hired by Buffalo Island Central in April 2017.

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