BENTONVILLE — Van Stone will leave the Benton County Prosecutor's Office for a position with Walmart.
"This morning, I informed the Governor's Office of my intent to resign from office on April 3, 2014," Stone said Tuesday.
Gov. Mike Beebe will appoint an attorney from Benton County to serve as interim prosecutor until the term expires Dec. 31.
"I have previously informed the prosecutors and staff in my office and others in the criminal justice system of my intention to resign," Stone said. "I will work closely with the interim prosecuting attorney to ensure a smooth transition."
Stone said he will take a position on Walmart's legal team.
A.J. Anglin, deputy prosecutor, began working in the office in February 2003. He also was a detective for the Siloam Springs Police Department.
"I have worked with Van Stone as a detective, deputy prosecutor and a friend," Anglin said. "He is a great courtroom prosecutor who always worked hard for the citizens of Benton County. Van Stone will be greatly missed."
Stephanie McLemore, deputy prosecutor, described Stone as a good boss and friend, but more importantly said Stone taught her how to be a lawyer and good prosecutor. She's been with the Prosecutor's Office for 10 years.
"I can only hope that one day I will be half the prosecutor that he is," McLemore said about Stone. "Van is a tenacious prosecutor. He has a unique ability to take a single obscure fact and turn it into an important piece of evidence."
Matt DeCample, spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe, confirmed the governor's office received Stone's resignation. The governor will appoint someone in a timely fashion, DeCample said.
Stone announced a few weeks ago he wouldn't seek a third term in office.
Stone joined the Prosecutor's Office in 1997 as a law clerk while he attended law school.
Stone was hired as a deputy prosecutor in 1998. Stone was promoted to senior trial attorney in 2000. Stone was named chief deputy prosecutor two years later.
Stone left the Prosecutor's Office in 2004 for private practice. He returned to the office in 2005 to serve as chief deputy for Robin Green after Bob Balfe was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District.
Stone later was elected prosecutor.
Nathan Smith, a deputy prosecutor, and Kimberly Weber, a Rogers attorney, are candidates for the position in May's election.
NW News on 03/26/2014