Sentencing set for former Ouachita County judge

Former Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly leaves federal court on June 11, 2014, in El Dorado with his mother, Mamie Hesterly.
Former Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly leaves federal court on June 11, 2014, in El Dorado with his mother, Mamie Hesterly.

CAMDEN — Formal sentencing is set for later this month for a former Ouachita County judge accused of awarding a disaster-relief contract in exchange for a campaign contribution.

Mike Hesterly pleaded guilty earlier this year to a bribery charge involving a Federal Emergency Management Agency contract to clean up debris following October 2009 storms in the county.

The Camden News reports that a Nov. 21 sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Hesterly and his co-defendant, Harry Clemons Jr. Federal prosecutors say Hesterly awarded the nearly $70,000 contract to Clemons in exchange for a $4,000 campaign contribution.

Clemons pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy in the case as part of a plea agreement.

Upcoming Events