MEMPHIS, Tenn. – An east Arkansas mayor is under investigation for allegations of inappropriate contact with a minor.

Arkansas State Police say their Criminal Investigation Division began looking Earle Mayor Jaylen Smith after getting a tip from the FBI. ASP did not provide any other details about the investigation.

Smith said in a statement that the accusations are false and that he is innocent.

RELATED: Earle mayor releases statement, denies allegations involving minor

Smith was elected mayor in 2022 at the age of 18, making him the youngest mayor in the country at the time. But over the past couple of years his tenure has been marred by questions about Smith’s use of city funds and the city’s finances in general.

In November 2024 the Earle School District banned Smith from visiting district campuses without getting prior authorization from the superintendent at least 48 hours in advance. The school district’s attorney sent Smith a letter about the restrictions at the direction of Superintendent Ryan Burgess “regarding recent actions on your part that have raised concerns.” Smith posted the letter to Facebook and said he would respect the district’s decision.

“Superintendent Burgess is aware that you have made frequent visits to District campuses without prior authorization, engaging in activities unrelated to the District’s operations,” attorney Cody Kees wrote. “These actions are inconsistent with District policies and have the potential to disrupt the educational environment.”

The letter did not explain what specifically led to the restrictions, which also included a reminder that taking photographs of students on school property without the permission of their parent or guardian is prohibited.