Prominent Pine Bluff Aldermen Face Big Charges

A long-running investigation into financial transactions involving a nonprofit organization run by a Pine Bluff aldermen has resulted in charges against two city council members. Alderman Billy Freeman appeared in federal court today, and pleaded innocent to a charge of aiding and abetting extortion. Freeman was released on his own recognizance. He also faces a state felony theft charge. Pine Bluff alderman Jack Foster was also charged federally. He too faces one count of aiding and abetting extortion. Foster pleaded innocent. Both men have a federal trial date of February second. A conviction on the aiding and abetting charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine. A federal grand jury indicted both of the men. Earlier today , Jefferson County Prosecutor Stevan Dalrymple announced that Freeman was charged in state court with the felony theft charge. Freeman is accused of accepting 71-thousand dollars from the city for a nonprofit organization he runs, Southeast Arkansas Community Development. Freeman`s organization bounced a check for 71-thousand dollars -- a check that was to have reimbursed the city for the sum. The Class B- felony state charge carries a penalty of between five and 20 years in prison. Posted by Mike Hellgren