Arkansas State Treasurer Martha Shoffner, who was arrested Saturday on extortion charges, officially resigned her position effective Tuesday.
In a letter released late Tuesday afternoon, Shoffner expressed remorse.
"Dear Governor Beebe, It is with great sadness that I tender my resignation of the office of Treasurer of the State of Arkansas. I am proud to have been elected by and to have served the people of the State of Arkansas and regret that I can no longer perform the duties and responsibilities owed to the public. Please accept this resignation effective 5 p.m. today's date, May 21, 2013."
Leaving the courthouse on Monday, when asked if she would resign, Shoffner responded "not at this time." When asked if he would advise his client to resign, Charles A. "Chuck" Banks, had a different answer.
"Probably so, probably so," Banks said. "But that's not my call to make."
Various state officials, including Gov. Mike Beebe, have called for Shoffner's resignation since the charges were made public. Beebe is able to appoint an official to take Shoffner's place for the remainder of her term.
Shoffner, 68, was elected as state treasurer in 2006, taking office in 2007. She was reelected to the post in 2010.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
