By The Arkadelphian

LITTLE ROCK — The state’s top attorney on Wednesday announced that a Southwest Arkansas mayor is guilty of theft and abuse of office.

Glenwood Mayor Billy T. Smith on Tuesday pleaded guilty to theft of property and abuse of office, each misdemeanor charges. An investigation by the AG’S office revealed Smith hired a private company in August to move $4,000 in asphalt millings from a state resurfacing project to his home, and to his son-in-law’s home, to resurface their private driveways. The Public Integrity Division led the investigation.

“Mayor Smith was elected to serve the people of Glenwood and instead he chose to use his position to privately and financially benefit himself,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “I urge any Arkansans concerned with potential fraud committed by public officials to contact our public integrity division immediately.”

Following Smith’s guilty plea he was ordered to pay $3,000 restitution to the City of Glenwood, as well as a $250 fine and court costs.

Smith resigned from his post as mayor immediately following the plea, tendering a letter to the Glenwood City Council.

In February, Smith was arrested and charged with Felony Theft of Property, a class D Felony, in addition to Abuse of Office, also a class D Felony. He surrendered himself to Special Agents of the Attorney General’s Office at the Pike County Jail, where he was taken into custody. Smith was sworn in as Glenwood’s Mayor in January 2019.

The case was prosecuted by Pike County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alwin A. Smith in Circuit Court Judge Bryan Chessir’s courtroom.

Arkansans can report public corruption to the Public Integrity Division by calling 833-45-TRUST (833-458-7878) or email ARTrust@arkansasag.gov.