On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC) announced that Circuit Judge Chris Williams of Malvern had resigned amid an investigation into allegations of judicial misconduct.

The JDDC said Williams submitted his resignation to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, effective March 30, after negotiating with the commission. Williams had served as a circuit judge in Hot Spring County for 20 years. In his resignation letter, Williams cited his health, advancing age, and the negotiation with the JDDC.

The commission noted it had resolved four past cases involving allegations of judicial misconduct against Williams related to violations of the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct. Emily Abbott, the JDDC’s executive director, confirmed the investigations began in the fall of 2022 and predated a separate federal investigation into alleged obstruction of justice by other local officeholders in Hot Spring County.

Due to confidentiality rules, Abbott did not provide specifics about the misconduct allegations but said the decision to investigate and negotiate was made by the JDDC members. Williams will be barred from future election, appointment, or service in any other public office.

Prior to serving as a circuit judge, Williams spent 10 years on the Hot Spring County District Court bench after being elected in 1992. He has a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law and bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University. Williams has deep roots in Malvern community involvement and politics dating back to 1981 when he served on the city council.

Williams once chaired the very JDDC that negotiated his resignation. He was also a past president of the American Judges Association. However, none of Williams’ accomplishments or past roles insulated him from facing the consequences of the misconduct investigations.

The JDDC expressed appreciation for cooperation from witnesses and government agencies involved in their investigations, though Abbott did not specify which agencies contributed.

A copy of the press release can be found here.