Austin McCollum's Wife Files for Divorce After Domestic Violence Arrest

BENTON COUNTY, AR. - Ragen McCollum has filed for divorce from her husband, Austin McCollum, a former Arkansas state representative and current candidate for Benton County judge. The legal action comes less than a week after Mr. McCollum was arrested on allegations of domestic violence.

According to records filed Friday in the Benton County Circuit Court, Mrs. McCollum is seeking an absolute divorce. In addition to the dissolution of the marriage, she is requesting custody of the couple's two children and is seeking both temporary and permanent child support.

The court filing also requests a hearing to determine the division of the couple's property, the settlement of outstanding debts, and the legal right to access their shared residence. Benton County Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan has scheduled a temporary hearing for August 25 at 9 a.m., and a summons has been issued for Austin McCollum.

The divorce filing follows a violent incident on August 1, which led to Mr. McCollum's arrest. An arrest affidavit outlines allegations that he assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute; authorities claim he punched her in the face, threw her to the ground, and repeatedly slammed her head against the floor.

In the wake of these allegations, Austin McCollum announced his resignation from the Arkansas House of Representatives this past Tuesday. Despite his resignation from the state legislature, he has not yet withdrawn his candidacy for the Benton County judge position.

Share this article...