Published on: May 21, 2026, 08:29h.
Updated on: May 21, 2026, 08:29h.
- Union president faces accusations of embezzling $50,000 for gambling.
- The leader of the union reportedly acknowledged a gambling addiction.
- Previously, he was arrested twice for DUI and for failing to pay a credit card balance.
A union president in Arkansas has been charged with a felony for allegedly misappropriating a significant amount of money to fuel his gambling activities at a local tribal casino.
According to an arrest warrant submitted in Sebastian County Circuit Court, Sharone Norwood, the president of the Fort Smith chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, is accused of embezzling around $50,000 from the union to finance his gambling excursions. Authorities believe that between August 3, 2025, and September 30, 2025, Norwood executed numerous unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the organization’s account.
Union Treasurer Samuel Schleiff, along with several other Fort Smith Fire Department members, approached the police on April 16, 2026, to report the discrepancies in finances, expressing their suspicion that Norwood was responsible. An investigation followed that incorporated bank surveillance footage, allegedly showing Norwood in the act of withdrawals.
Schleiff’s suspicions grew after he observed the ATM transactions, noting that he was the sole authorized individual to conduct withdrawals on behalf of the union. After addressing Norwood about the issue, Schleiff reported a $20,000 deposit was made the very next day.
In 2023, the revenue for the Fort Smith firefighters’ union amounted to $102,338.
Beneficiary of Tribal Casino Activities
The affidavit against Norwood reveals that investigators were able to monitor his activities following the ATM withdrawals. They discovered that he was present “at the casino in Pocola,” referring to Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola, located just across the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line.
It was also established that Norwood conducted several ATM transactions at the tribal casino.
“Detectives acquired records from the Pocola casino that confirmed Norwood was actively gambling at the casino on the same days he made withdrawals in Fort Smith on the 24th and 25th of September,” as noted in the warrant.
Norwood allegedly confessed to a battalion chief at the Fort Smith Fire Department, admitting, “I am the one who withdrew the funds from the account.” The battalion chief informed authorities that Norwood also disclosed his struggles with a gambling addiction.
Despite the police report, Norwood entered a plea of not guilty to the felony charge on May 19. A conviction for such allegations could result in imprisonment ranging from five to twenty years, along with potential fines up to $15,000.
A jury trial has been scheduled for October 12, 2026. Norwood remains free after posting 10% of a $30,000 cash bail.
Charges Related to Credit Card and DUI
In 2020, Norwood faced litigation from creditors concerning an overdue credit card balance owed to Citibank. The unresolved debt was subsequently sold to Midland Credit Management.
A court found that Norwood had indeed defaulted on payment obligations, resulting in a ruling that required him to pay Midland $4,036.52.
In 2023, Norwood was arrested again for driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty, faced a fines of $1,150, served a week in jail, and was subjected to 21 days of house arrest.
Additionally, Norwood was mandated to participate in an outpatient alcohol treatment program, which he successfully completed.