LITTLE ROCK - Senator Jake Files formally submitted his resignation from the legislature to the State of Arkansas on Tuesday, stating that he will stay in office for another week and a half in order to take care of unfinished business.
The Fort Smith Republican pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges on Monday. The charges stem from the redirection of General Improvement Funds, which are state monies that are given to public projects at the discretion of a legislator.
“It’s been a privilege to represent Senate District 8 in the Arkansas Senate to serve the citizens of Arkansas in the Arkansas General Assembly,” Files said in his letter to Governor Asa Hutchinson. “I am proud of the work we have done together during my tenure. Please accept this as notice of my resignation from the Arkansas Senate, with my last day being Friday, February 9, 2018. This will ensure time to tie up any loose ends. Thank you for your service to our great state.”
The resignation now leaves Arkansas Republicans with three vacancies in the State Senate, following Senator Eddie Joe Williams’ (R-Cabot) departure to take a job in the Trump administration, and the untimely death of Senator Greg Standridge of Russellville.
