PRESS RELEASE
City of Fort Smith Announces Hiring of New City Prosecutor
Fort Smith, AR - The City of Fort Smith announces the appointment of Rita Howard Watkins as the new City Prosecutor. Mrs. Watkins will advocate on behalf of the City in District Court proceedings and report to City Administrator Carl Geffken. The City performed a comprehensive search to fill the position vacated when former Prosecutor Sam Terry was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as District Court Judge in Sebastian County’s Fort Smith District.
Mr. Geffken says Ms. Watkins was selected because of her impressive experience, background, and advancement in the Fort Smith legal community. Geffken says the City is eager to welcome Watkins to the team. "After vetting and interviewing very qualified candidates, Ms. Watkins stood out because of her familiarity with our community, her skill as an attorney, and her reputation as a tough legal advocate for her clients. We believe she will add a welcomed perspective to the City’s core leadership team and positively affect our organization and community as a whole."
A native of Fort Smith, Ms. Watkins is a graduate of Northside High School. She received a basketball scholarship to and attended Oregon State University in Corvalis, Oregon, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She then achieved her Juris Doctor degree from the Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia.
Watkins has served as a Deputy Public Defender in Sebastian County, Arkansas, since January 2005, where she is recognized as a tough and competent advocate for indigent adults and juveniles charged in state court with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses, including certification to represent such clients charged with serious Class Y Felony offenses. She has extensive jury trial experience, handling all aspects of research, investigation and representation on behalf of her clients. Her early career includes service in private practice and as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Ms. Watkins began her position as City Prosecutor on Monday, October 31, 2022.
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About the City of Fort Smith's City Prosecutor
The City Prosecutor advocates for the prosecution of traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary felony cases, and violations of city ordinances including the City’s property maintenance code. The City Prosecutor office is located in the Fort Smith Police Department’s facility at 101 South 10th Street in Fort Smith.
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