BENTON — The mayor of a small Saline County city pleaded guilty to tax charges and resigned from office Friday as part of a rushed plea deal aimed at getting him out of office.
Larance Davis, 63, mayor of Shannon Hills for about 10 years, admitted that he didn't file his state income taxes for a number of years, drawing a sentence of six years' probation for onemisdemeanor and one felony count.
"I made a mistake," Davis said. "I trusted someone to take care of my stuff."
He was arrested one week before his sentencing and charged with three felony counts after an investigation revealed that he hadn't filed any tax returns between 1996 and early 2009. He could have been sent to prison for the offenses he pleaded guilty to.
"My goal was to get the mayor out of office as soon as possible," Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Ken Casady said after the brief hearing, noting ongoing concerns with city business.
"I'm going to work with my office and other state offices to look into budget matters and other irregularities in the city."
Davis' tax troubles came to light during an FBI investigation of the 3, 000-populationcity's government. Records show that the FBI in 2006 seized boxes of city records, the bulk of which remain in federal custody.
It's unclear what the FBI was looking for, if any criminal wrongdoing was uncovered or if an investigation continues. No indictments have been issued, and a spokesmanfor the bureau declined to comment.
As part of Davis' plea agreement, Davis must comply with any future investigations into Shannon Hills. And he cannot run for public office or go to City Hall for the duration of his probation.
Davis stood holding his hands behind his back as Circuit Judge Bobby McCallister imposed the sentence, which includes $1,000 in fines and other fees.
Davis also was ordered to resolve his tax issues with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
City Recorder Saundra Vosburg will act as mayor until the City Council decides whether to appoint someone or hold a special election.
"I've been concerned about the welfare of the city for years," Vosburg said in an interview. "I just want everything to be open and aboveboard. I didn't always feel it was before."
Arkansas, Pages 13, 22 on 05/23/2009