BENTONVILLE — Nathan Smith is seeking a second term as Benton County prosecutor.
“It’s been a privilege to serve as prosecuting attorney and lead an office of dedicated prosecutors and staff,” Smith said. “Our mission is to be the voice for victims, to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Smith led the prosecutions and obtained murder convictions and death sentences for Zachary Holly and Mauricio Torres. Holly was sentenced to death for the murder of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman while Torres received the death penalty for killing his 6-year-old son, Isaiah.
Smith also prosecuted Ali Matar, a former school worker at Bentonville’s after-school program. Matar was convicted of raping a student and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Smith, 35, said he’s improved the efficiency of the office and now all files are electronic and all the prosecutors have computer tablets. The move also solves long-term storage problems, he said.
Smith said he’s been able to add prosecutors, victim advocates and staff members to handle an increasing case load.
He began in 2002 as a volunteer with the prosecutor’s office and served as a deputy prosecutor. He was elected in 2014 and took office in January 2015.
Smith has been appointed by the governor to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission and the Arkansas Drug and Alcohol Coordinating Council.
He’s on the board of directors and legislative committee for the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Association.
“I am forever grateful to the people of Benton County for entrusting me with this important calling, and, if they honor me with another term, I will continue to pursue justice and help keep our community a great place to live,” Smith said.
Prosecutors serve four-year term. Smith earns $155,040 yearly.
Candidate filings end Thursday. The party primaries and nonpartisan election are May 22.
Tracy M. Neal can be reached by email at [email protected] or Twitter @NWATracy.