Former top Arkansas official arrested for allegedly tampering with bar exam scores

A former official in US state of Arkansas, responsible for overseeing bar examination records has been arrested and charged with 65 felony counts of tampering with a public record following an investigation into alleged score manipulation.

Nancie Givens, the former executive director of the Arkansas Office of Professional Programs, is accused of altering records connected to examinations administered between July 2020 and July 2025, according to Little Rock broadcaster KATV.

An Arkansas State Police investigation identified alleged irregularities involving records maintained by the office, which is responsible for safeguarding the accuracy of bar examination information.

Investigators allege that Givens altered or deleted approximately 11,400 electronic files relating to applicants’ records, profiles and score sheets. The office is legally required to retain those records for 25 years.

The alleged irregularities were discovered in January, and Givens resigned from her position in February. The report did not establish a motive for the alleged tampering, and Givens has not publicly addressed the accusations.

The case has raised concerns about the integrity of bar examination records during the five-year period. However, Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones declined to disclose how many examinations were affected, whether individual applicants were impacted or whether the alleged alterations changed any admission decisions.