Former Harrisburg police chief and son plead guilty to misdemeanors

HARRISBURG, Ark. (KAIT) - A former Harrisburg police chief and his son accused of multiple felonies, including impersonating a police officer and furnishing a handgun to a felon, pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor charges.

What the sentencing orders say

According to his sentencing order, Eric Moore, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access/obtain release of criminal history, a Class A misdemeanor. Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Pam Honeycutt ordered him to pay a $500 fine and court costs in $50 monthly installments.

Felony charges of furnishing a handgun or prohibited weapon to a felon and unauthorized access were nolle prossed.

His son, 34-year-old Brandon S. Moore, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal impersonation, a Class A misdemeanor. The judge also ordered him to pay a $500 fine and court costs in $50 monthly installments.

Felony charges of possession of a firearm by certain persons and criminal impersonation were nolle prossed, the sentencing order said.

Arrests and allegations

The two were arrested in April 2025 following allegations of misconduct involving impersonation, firearms and unauthorized access to police resources.

The affidavit said Brandon Moore accompanied his father on several law enforcement calls, including a pursuit and traffic stops, dressed like a police officer.

An officer interviewed about the incidents said a civilian “absolutely” could have mistaken Brandon Moore for an actual law enforcement officer.

During one of the traffic stops, another officer said he saw Brandon Moore sitting in the passenger seat, with access to an automatic rifle. The officer knew Brandon Moore to be a felon. Felons are not allowed to possess or own firearms in Arkansas.

An investigator interviewed many officers during the investigation.

Other incidents described in the affidavit

In another incident, Eric Moore told an officer that his son would ride with her on patrol. The officer said she conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, and Brandon Moore exited the vehicle without her permission, then smoked a cigarette and talked to the occupants of the stopped vehicle.

The report said Brandon Moore also had easy access to the confidential criminal record information on the patrol vehicle’s computer, and that he routinely viewed it.

One officer said they saw Brandon Moore driving a police vehicle by himself to chase a person, and commanded them to stop. The affidavit said Brandon Moore assisted his father with several arrests and chased suspects on foot, too.

Multiple officers expressed “they all feel uncomfortable with Brandon Moore riding in their patrol vehicles and Brandon Moore riding with Chief Moore,” but were afraid to speak out because of possible retaliation, according to the affidavit.

How the investigation began

The investigation began on April 4, 2025, after Harrisburg Mayor Justin Kimble reported his concerns regarding Eric Moore and his son, the sheriff said in the release.

Eric Moore was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday, April 7.

Community reaction

Harrisburg resident Destiny Duncan was shocked to learn that Chief Eric Moore and his son Brandon had already bonded out of jail.

“How are they gonna get bonded out just like that? Especially if you’re a felon and have a firearm,” Duncan said. “And he’s supposed to be a police officer. Supposed to be chief of police.”

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