The Springdale School District terminated its relationship with a substitute teacher after his arrest on charges linked to prostitution and criminal enterprise.
Matthew Ryan Miller, 37, of South Thompson Street in Springdale, was taken into custody Tuesday on suspicion of promoting prostitution, criminal use of property, and engaging in a continuing criminal gang or enterprise. He was released from the Washington County Detention Center later that day on a $50,000 bond. Miller is scheduled to appear for arraignment Nov. 6 in Washington County Circuit Court.
Miller joined the Springdale substitute teacher pool in August 2025. Trent Jones, communications director for Springdale Public Schools, said Miller was removed from the substitute list as soon as the district was notified that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
The arrest comes as part of a wider human trafficking investigation conducted by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office in conjunction with federal law enforcement agencies. Miller was among five individuals arrested in connection to the probe.
The Springdale School District did not specify which schools or grade levels Miller had served but confirmed his role was limited to substitute teaching.
Human trafficking and prostitution-related crimes have increasingly drawn law enforcement attention statewide, with the Attorney General’s Office leading several initiatives in cooperation with local and federal partners to combat such illegal activities. The investigation that led to Miller’s arrest is one of several active cases targeting organized networks within Arkansas.
Springdale, as the largest city in Washington County, continues to face challenges related to criminal activity alongside its rapid growth. School officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining safe environments for students and staff.
“We are taking this matter seriously and working to ensure that individuals with pending charges of this nature are not serving in any capacity within our schools,” Jones said.
Matthew Ryan Miller’s last known involvement with Springdale schools was less than a year, and his removal reflects the district’s policy of protecting student safety by promptly responding to legal developments affecting personnel.
Those with information about human trafficking or related crimes in Northwest Arkansas are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office to assist ongoing investigations.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette