KTBS 3 News | Shreveport, LA: ArkLaTex News - Judge says mayor can't withdraw her guilty plea

Posted: Nov 3, 2009 10:29 AM
Updated: Nov 3, 2009 11:46 AM

Garland City, Ark., Mayor Yvonne Dockery cannot withdraw her guilty plea to theft charges nor rescind her resignation that was a condition of the plea agreement, a Miller County judge has ruled.

Dockery pleaded guilty Oct. 23 to theft of city funds, received probation instead of jail time and agreed to resign.

Three days later, she went to court asking to rescind her resignation, saying she had been coerced by prosecutors.

Miller County Judge Kirk Johnson has rejected Dockery's motion, saying she cannot withdraw her plea because the request was not made before she was sentenced.

The Garland City Council will meet next Monday to discuss either appointing a mayor or holding a special election. The mayor's duties are currently handled by the town's recorder-treasurer.

Extra security will be present for Monday night's meeting, the city attorney said.

Dockery has sent a letter to Recorded-Treasurer Ann Wright saying she wants to veto the council's acceptance of her resignation. The letter has the word "VETO" written in all capital letters. City Attorney Carolyn Whitefield said Dockery is no longer the mayor and has no power.

The Associated Press contributed to this report