The former executive director of South Arkansas Youth Services has pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge in connection with the public corruption investigation that has ensnared several former elected officials, according to court documents filed Thursday.
Jerry Walsh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. Walsh diverted more than $100,000 in agency funds to an Arkansas state senator -- identified only as "Arkansas Senator C" -- with the understanding that the lawmaker would "take favorable official action to benefit" Walsh, the agency and others, according to the plea agreement.
Walsh met the lawmaker in May 2013 and discussed his agency's need to stop state agencies "from threatening to pull state contracts," the pleading says.
Walsh's case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Walsh waived the indictment while pleading guilty.
NW News on 07/20/2018