North Little Rock Ward Three Alderman Cary Gaines has resigned, effective today.

Gaines represents In his resignation letter, submitted to the mayor and other aldermen, Gaines said:

"During the days ahead, it appears it will be necessary for me to spend substantial time addressing the accusations that may well be formally made.

The time and energy spent in these legal affairs will distract me from my effectiveness and ability to serve the citizens of North Little Rock."

He also apologized to his friends and supporters for the "necessity" of the decision.

On Monday, a Cabot man was arrested in Thailand for allegedly trying to defraud the city of North Little Rock.  George Wylie Thompson was charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud based on a scheme to defraud the city of North Little Rock, one count of operating an illegal gambling business and several other gun and drug charges.

The indictment states Thompson owed "Alderman A" and "Vendor B" money.   This alderman agreed to attempt to facilitate awarding a city concrete contract to Thompson's chosen vendor, so the alderman and the vendor could work off their debts to Thompson.  That vendor agreed to kickback proceeds to both Thompson and the alderman.  The indictment states when they experienced delays in the concrete bidding process, the scheme turned to awarding a city landscaping project around the Interstate 40 Levy exit to the vendor.    Thompson also allegedly called the alderman and requested he find a no-bid city contract for the vendor.

Alderman A is not specifically named, however the indictment states the individual was elected to the city council as representative of Ward Three in 1992 for a four year term.  This person was re-elected in 2007.

When KARK 4 asked Gaines if he was resigning because of the Thompson investigation, Gaines said he was instructed not to say anything.

To read Thompson's indictment, click here.

Click on the attachment icon to read a copy of Gaines' resignation letter.