Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced significant staffing changes within the Special Investigations Division of his office. In a recent statement, Griffin introduced Jessica Middleton as the new Cybersecurity Analyst and revealed promotions for two special agents.
Griffin emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, stating, "Cybersecurity has been a priority of mine since before I was elected Attorney General, and creating this position greatly expands my office’s ability to protect Arkansans and educate them about cyber threats."
Middleton joins the team with extensive experience from her previous role at the Little Rock Police Department. Her educational background includes undergraduate studies at Arkansas State University and master's degrees in sociology and social science. She also serves as an online instructor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The Attorney General further announced that Special Agent Walter Mahone has been promoted to Deputy Chief of the Special Investigations Division. Mahone will assist Chief Wayne Bewley in overseeing seven units within the division, including Cyber Crimes and Human Trafficking. "Deputy Chief Mahone will continue to serve as Director of the division’s Cyber Crimes Unit," Griffin noted.
In addition, Special Agent Amber Kalmer has been elevated to Director of Digital Forensics. Her responsibilities include managing digital evidence processing and supporting law enforcement agencies with forensic work. Griffin praised both Mahone and Kalmer's contributions: “Both Deputy Chief Mahone and Director Kalmer have done outstanding work in the nearly two years I have been in office.”
Mahone's career with the Attorney General's Office began in 2019, progressing through various roles including Supervisory Special Agent. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and a Master’s from Tiffin University.
Kalmer joined the Attorney General's Office after a lengthy tenure with Little Rock Police Department where she handled narcotics investigations and partnered with K9 Lucy, a specialized canine trained to detect electronic devices.
Attorney General Tim Griffin himself has an extensive background in public service, having served as Lieutenant Governor and a U.S. Representative for Arkansas. His military service spans over 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps.