Arkansas State Rep. Fred Smith Resigns
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: January 27, 2011
Arkansas' District 54 state representative has resigned after a Chicot County judge found him guilty of theft in a ruling that came down Tuesday.
The trial for Fred Smith was held in November centering on his failure to reimburse a school district for duplicate payment of more than 29-thousand-dollars. When the trial concluded, the judge said he would rule at a later date.
After being notified of the ruling, Smith issued this statement:
"Based on the ruling of January 25, 2011, about which I have recently learned, I have submitted my resignation to the Speaker of the House, effective immediately.
I would like to thank the People of District 54 for the opportunity to serve in the Arkansas House of Representatives. While my decision is difficult, this is in the best interest of District 54, the General Assembly and my family.
I respectfully disagree with the ruling. After consultation with my attorney, I intend to appeal this decision and clear my good name."
Earlier this month, the Arkansas House had voted 89-to-1 to seat Smith, a former Harlem Globetrotter despite questions about whether he lives in Arkansas or Mississippi.
The trial for Fred Smith was held in November centering on his failure to reimburse a school district for duplicate payment of more than 29-thousand-dollars. When the trial concluded, the judge said he would rule at a later date.
After being notified of the ruling, Smith issued this statement:
"Based on the ruling of January 25, 2011, about which I have recently learned, I have submitted my resignation to the Speaker of the House, effective immediately.
I would like to thank the People of District 54 for the opportunity to serve in the Arkansas House of Representatives. While my decision is difficult, this is in the best interest of District 54, the General Assembly and my family.
I respectfully disagree with the ruling. After consultation with my attorney, I intend to appeal this decision and clear my good name."
Earlier this month, the Arkansas House had voted 89-to-1 to seat Smith, a former Harlem Globetrotter despite questions about whether he lives in Arkansas or Mississippi.
