State briefs
Former judge ordered to start prison sentence
LITTLE ROCK — A former Arkansas judge was ordered to begin serving his 10-year prison sentence after an appeals court upheld his bribery conviction.
Former circuit judge Michael Maggio was ordered Monday to surrender to federal authorities before 2 p.m. today to begin serving his sentence. The order from U.S. District Judge Brian Miller said an arrest warrant will be issued if Maggio doesn’t report to authorities.
Maggio’s attorney, John Wesley Hall, had asked for a one-week delay as Maggio seeks a rehearing from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but Miller denied the request Tuesday.
Maggio admitted reducing a jury award against a nursing home operator in exchange for campaign contributions. He tried unsuccessfully last year to withdraw his guilty plea and has been free pending his appeal.
Man admits running over estranged wife with vehicle
SEARCY — An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after admitting he ran over his estranged wife with a vehicle.
Bobby Moss pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree murder in the death of Stacy Jo Moss, who was found unresponsive under a vehicle last August in McRae. The Daily Citizen reports that Bobby Moss read a statement of facts in court in which he admitted running over his estranged wife.
When asked by a judge whether it was an accurate statement, Moss responded: “Yes, I guess.”
Bobby Moss has been held in the White County Detention Center without bond since his arrest last August. He’ll receive credit for the 345 days he’s already served behind bars.
Governor touts global investment in state
NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ governor is promoting the state as a welcoming place for foreign companies to invest, joining at least three other states that have issued similar policy statements aimed at reassuring international firms.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday issued the state’s first “open investment policy statement,” touting the benefits Arkansas has seen from welcoming global companies. Hutchinson made the announcement at L’Oreal USA’s manufacturing facility in North Little Rock.
The Organization for International Investment says Arkansas joins Kentucky, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania in issuing such policies about international businesses. The organization represents the U.S. operations of global companies and has been urging states to issue policy statements highlighting the impact of foreign investment.
Bodyguard’s gun linked to LR nightclub shooting
LITTLE ROCK — A bodyguard has been charged with illegally providing a firearm to the rapper who was performing when gunfire broke out at an Arkansas nightclub, while federal officials say one of the guard’s guns matched a shell casing found at the scene.
No one has been charged in the July 1 shooting at Little Rock’s Power Ultra Lounge, which left 28 people injured. Kentrell Gwynn was in Little Rock federal court Tuesday on a preliminary charge of providing a firearm to Ricky Hampton, a Memphis, Tennessee, rapper and convicted felon who performs as Finese2Tymes.
Gwynn is also accused of providing armed security to a convicted felon and conspiracy. Gwynn told a federal agent he was armed that night but did not shoot at anyone.
Hampton appeared in federal court Tuesday on charges unrelated to the shooting.
Arkansas agency closes Pine Bluff rice mill
PINE BLUFF — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has closed a Pine Bluff rice mill after the company laid off 35 workers without notice while defaulting on $10 million in state loans.
The “cease and desist” notice issued to Southwind Milling Co. prohibits the movement of rough rice in or out of the mill, department spokesman Adriane Barnes told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Barnes said the company will remain closed until it secures more bonds or finds more cash capital and can comply with the state Public Grain Warehouse Act.
Barnes said the department’s decision to close the facility was prompted by “financial deficits” found in company records when it sought to renew its state license to store grain.