BENTONVILLE -- Circuit Judge John Scott met with attorneys at a hearing Thursday about several lawsuits involving the former president and chief executive officer of Arvest Bank of Benton County.
Ten lawsuits have been filed in Benton County Circuit Court in connection with Dennis Smiley Jr., who worked for Arvest Bank. Smiley's wife and father also have been named as defendants in some of the cases.
Scott only discussed six lawsuits at the hearing. Three lawsuits were filed in recent weeks and the 10th was filed during Thursday's hearing. There hasn't been time for answers to be submitted in response to those four lawsuits.
Different banks have filed lawsuits claiming Smiley defaulted on loans they gave him. Arvest Bank brought the first lawsuit against Smiley. Other banks then followed. Arvest reached agreement with some of the banks, and Arvest is now the plaintiff in a majority of the lawsuits.
"I will be moving to dismiss Arvest Bank as a defendant," said Craig Campbell, the attorney representing Arvest.
Campbell's comment drew laughter from the other attorneys since Arvest is now a plaintiff.
Each lawsuit will be tried separately. Attorneys told Scott handwriting experts will be needed for a few of the cases. Most cases will take one or two days to try.
Harrison attorney James Sprott filed the 10th lawsuit on behalf of Community First Bank in Harrison. The lawsuit names Smiley; his wife, Cynthia Smiley; and Design for the Home. The lawsuit claims the bank is owed more than $107,462 in connection with nonpayment of three loans.
The 10th lawsuit was assigned to Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan, but all of the cases will end up in Scott's court.
Smiley resigned from Arvest in March.
NW News on 09/19/2014