Benton County Prosecuting Attorney-elect Nathan Smith won't commission Rogers City Attorney Ben Lipscomb to prosecute state misdemeanor offenses in Rogers, according to a news release from Smith.
The practice of commissioning city attorney to prosecute misdemeanor offenses has been a "long-standing policy" of the Benton County prosecutor's office, according to the news release.
Smith cited Lipscomb's recent decision to stop engaging in plea bargains in any of his cases.
"This policy will create an untenable situation in the Rogers District Court," Smith said in the news release. "It will undoubtedly result in a chaotic court docket and a large number of police officers waiting in court for potential trials rather than serving the community."
Lipscomb said Tuesday morning he was unaware of Smith's decision and had not talked to Smith.
He wanted to know if Smith gave any reasons for not commissioning him.
"I defer any comments to my attorney," Lipscomb said.
Lipscomb did not make any further comments.
Bonnie Bridges and Chris Griffin will serve as special prosecutors to handle cases in Rogers District Court, according to the news release.
The decision comes shortly after an email to the Arkansas Municipal League revealed new details about the conflict between Lipscomb and other members of the city's administration. Before Lipscomb announced he would no longer engage in plea bargains, the Rogers City Council cut his budget and transferred many of his duties to Griffin.