LITTLE ROCK — In a shocking move, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Christopher R. Thyer, has filed a motion to dismiss the remaining counts of the Second Superseding Indictment against former Arkansas State Treasurer Martha Shoffner, age 70, of Newport, Arkansas.
Shoffner was found guilty on March 11, 2014, of six counts of extortion under color of official right, one count of attempted extortion under color of official right, and seven counts of receipt of a bribe by an agent of a state government receiving federal funds. The additional charges being dismissed alleged that Shoffner used $9,800.00 of campaign funds from her re-election campaign for Treasurer of the State of Arkansas for personal expenses, including clothing and cosmetics, on a Wells Fargo credit card from November 5, 2010, through October 9, 2011.
According to the motion, Thyer has given considerable and careful thought prior to announcing the decision to dismiss the charges. He stated that based on their estimate of the anticipated sentencing guideline range that Ms. Shoffner faces as a result of the March 11th convictions and their expectation that if she was convicted on the mail fraud charges, there would be minimal, if any, impact on the sentencing guideline range, the decision to dismiss these charges was made.
Shoffner’s crimes were a breach of the trust placed in her by the electorate. The misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses is a serious offense and undermines the public’s faith in government. However, at this time, it is best to move forward with sentencing on the bribery and extortion convictions, and they anticipate presenting evidence related to the mail fraud at that time.
The case against Shoffner serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in government. Public officials must be held to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The dismissal of these charges does not excuse Shoffner’s actions, but rather acknowledges that the sentencing guidelines already in place will address the severity of her crimes.
Defendant: Martha Shoffner
Criminal Charges: 6 counts of extortion under color of official right, 1 count of attempted extortion under color of official right, 7 counts of receipt of a bribe by an agent of a state government receiving federal funds, 10 counts of mail fraud
City and State: Little Rock, Arkansas
Date: 2014
Sentence/Outcome: Sentencing on bribery and extortion convictions pending, dismissal of mail fraud charges
Dollar Amount: $9,800.00
Related Entity: Wells Fargo credit card
Related Federal Cases
- Jeremy Hutchinson, Federal Program Bribery, Arkansas 2023 · Arkansas
- Thomas David Carruth, Bribery, Obstruction of Justice, Honest Services Wire Fraud, Arkansas 2023 · Arkansas
- Nathan Koen, Bribery of a Public Official, Arkansas 2018 · Washington
- Jeremy Hutchinson, Bribery and Tax Evasion, Arkansas 2024 · Arkansas
- Rufus Seth Williams, Bribery and Extortion, New York 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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