Wages settlement costs state $130,000

LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. Labor Department says Arkansas will pay more than $130,000 in back overtime wages for 161 wildlife officers.

The Labor Department said an investigation found that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission failed to pay its employees for all hours worked, including overtime. The agency said some employees weren't paid for work done at home - such as answering telephone calls and finishing computer assignments.

The commission settled with the Department of Labor in 2008 but denied any liability or wrongdoing. Deputy Director Loren Hitchcock said the agency opted for the settlement because it was the quickest and most economical way to resolve the issue.