KHBS/KHOG Met Busted Over Child Pics

Source: KHBS/KHOG A 40/29 employee could face misdemeanor harassment charges in connection with an incident at a Fort Smith park, police said.

Police said morning meteorologist Justin Povick was at the public pool at Creekmore Park in Fort Smith on Tuesday afternoon when a young girl told an adult that Povick was taking photos of her.

Authorities said that when a park employee confronted Povick about the photos, he took off running across the street and into some woods.

A few minutes later, police said, he came out of the woods with cuts and bruises on his feet, and authorities seized his camera. Investigators said they found several photos of girls between the ages of 4 and 12 years old in their swimsuits.

"The allegations are that he had been taking pictures with his camera inconspicuously of the girls in the swimming pool and on the bank," said Fort Smith police spokesman Jarrard Copeland.

Povick has been a meteorologist at 40/29 News for the past year.

"While we typically do not comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that Justin Povick has been suspended without pay," said 40/29 General Manager Jim Prestwood.

Povick has not been arrested at this time. The case has been turned over to the Sebastian County prosecutor's office for review.

Fort Smith police said they expect an arrest warrant to be issued on Thursday.

If charged and convicted, Povick could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.