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Replacement Chosen For Arkansas Official Who Resigned Amid Bribery Allegation

Jefferson County Judge Henry "Hank" Wilkins IV
Former Jefferson County Judge Henry "Hank" Wilkins IV, who resigned earlier this week.

A former state representative has been chosen the new chief administrative officer in Jefferson County after the former executive resigned when it was revealed he had received $100,000 in bribes.

The county's Quorum Court on Thursday selected 82-year-old Booker Clemons as the new county judge.

Clemons is retired from the University of Arkansas' Cooperative Extension Service and served in the state House from 2001-2007.

He replaces Henry "Hank" Wilkins IV, who resigned Monday after a federal prosecutor said in court that he had admitted to accepting bribes from indicted lobbyist Milton Russell Cranford.

The prosecutor said Wilkins took the bribes while he was a state representative from 2011-2015. Wilkins has not been charged.

Clemons will serve until Dec. 31.

Copyright 2018 KUAR

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