6 days Ago By Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record
Fort Smith City Director Christina Catsavis publicly announced her support for the recent hiring of Rebecca Cowan as the city’s internal auditor director. A story broke that Cowan was arrested in Sebastian County on June 7, 2024, due to a warrant issued in LeFlore County on Feb. 15, 2024.
LeFlore County Sheriff Rodney Derryberry stated that the case is ongoing, with a change of venue for jurisdiction from LeFlore County to the Bryan County District Attorney’s Office in Durant, which will assume the lead in the prosecution aspect of the case. A preliminary hearing is set for May 21. Cowan was announced as the new internal auditor director before the April 22 Study Session.
She is taking her new role on May 25. The City of Fort Smith issued this statement: "The City of Fort Smith is aware of recent media reports concerning Rebecca Cowan, who was appointed as the City's Director of Internal Audit on April 22. The applicant disclosed references to ongoing legal issues as part of her application materials.
As this involves a personnel matter and a personal, active legal situation, the City of Fort Smith will refrain from further comment until that process is complete." Director Catavis (At-Large) issued a public statement on April 24 defending the city’s hiring of Cowan, who is currently involved in a legal matter stemming from what Catsavis described as a “personal family dispute.” Cowan hired as internal auditor for Fort Smith; homelessness ordinance reworked The situation has prompted public discussion.
However, Catsavis emphasized that “an arrest is not a conviction” and reiterated the foundational principle of the U.S. justice system: that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Citing guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Catsavis noted that arrests alone do not constitute proof of criminal behavior and should not be grounds for automatic dismissal. “This guidance reflects a broader principle of fairness and due process, which I am committed to upholding,” she said. According to Catsavis, the legal matter is unrelated to the new hire’s professional duties and stems from a contentious divorce.
“At this time, I do not believe it is appropriate to take employment action based solely on allegations that have not been adjudicated and that do not pertain to her work for the City,” Catsavis said, adding that she is monitoring the situation closely. Catsavis used the occasion to reaffirm her long-standing support for robust internal oversight. “Over the past year, I have consistently advocated for hiring a full-time internal auditor, because I believe the residents of Fort Smith deserve clear evidence that their city government takes fiscal stewardship seriously,” she said.
She also criticized the city’s current contract for external auditing services, which provides 30 hours a month for $10,000. “I opposed and voted against this contract,” she said, suggesting that limited oversight may benefit some individuals within the organization. “Efforts to discredit the Board or portray us as negligent may be distractions aimed at preserving the status quo,” Catsavis said, implying that recent criticism may be motivated by resistance to increased accountability.
With Votaw Law, Ryan Norris represents Cowan and issued a brief statement, “We consider all matters affecting our clients’ cases sensitive and extremely important. We are unable to comment at this time.” This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: ‘Innocent until proven guilty’: Catsavis supports Cowan appointment.
