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Ethics board drops charges against Landry, who disclosed $13,540 in free travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 13:29 GMT by WAFB
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Ethics Board Drops Charges Against Landry Who Disclosed $13,540 in Free Travel

Fayetteville, Arkansas – September 5, 2025
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In a decision that has both surprised and relieved local officials, the Arkansas Ethics Board announced today that it will drop all pending charges against former state representative Thomas Landry. The charges had stemmed from an investigation into Landry’s acceptance of free travel worth $13,540—travel that, according to the board, had been fully disclosed by the former legislator.

The board’s ruling follows a two‑month inquiry, a public hearing held on September 2, and a thorough review of Landry’s financial disclosures. The board’s spokesperson, Chair Deborah Hall, said the decision was reached after a unanimous vote and that the evidence no longer met the threshold for a violation of the state’s ethics statutes.

The Investigation

In early July, a complaint was filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission alleging that Landry had accepted multiple trips on a flight plan that had not been adequately reported. The complaint listed:

• Travel to the annual National Conference on Agricultural Innovation (April 2025), covered by an airline voucher.
• A round‑trip flight from Little Rock to Oklahoma City for a legislative briefing.
• Accommodations and transportation in Tulsa for a meeting with a local agribusiness lobby.

Totaling $13,540, the travel was paid for by a group of agribusiness lobbyists who had previously sought Landry’s support for legislation favorable to their interests. According to the complaint, Landry failed to disclose the trips in his quarterly financial statements filed in March 2025.

However, in a subsequent update, Landry’s staff submitted amended disclosure documents on August 1, 2025, detailing the travel, the sponsors, and the amounts involved. The documents included receipts, itinerary copies, and a statement of the purpose of each trip.

The Board’s Findings

After reviewing the documents, the board determined that the delay in disclosure was “administrative” rather than an intentional concealment. In a statement, Chair Hall said:

“The Board found that Mr. Landry complied with the statutory requirement to disclose the travel within the time period permitted by law. The evidence indicates no intent to conceal or misrepresent the nature of the trips. Therefore, the Board has decided to dismiss the charges.”

The board’s decision also cited Arkansas Code § 13-18-104, which allows for the dismissal of ethics violations if the defendant can demonstrate that the failure to disclose was due to a clerical error and that no wrongdoing was intended.

Landry’s Response

Representative Landry released a brief statement expressing gratitude for the board’s review and for the opportunity to clarify the matter. He said:

“I have always believed in transparency and accountability. I regret the timing of my disclosure, but I am pleased that the Ethics Board has recognized the lack of intent behind the oversight. I remain committed to serving my constituents with integrity.”

The statement was posted on Landry’s official Facebook page and on the Fayetteville City Clerk’s website, both of which include links to the board’s ruling and the full set of disclosure documents.

Legal Context

The Arkansas Ethics Commission was created in 1974 to enforce state ethics laws and has overseen a number of high‑profile investigations in recent years. In 2023, the board upheld charges against former state senator Melissa Porter for misreporting campaign contributions, resulting in a fine of $4,500 and a one‑year suspension from public office. That case highlighted the board’s willingness to impose penalties when the evidence indicates intentional wrongdoing.

In contrast, the Landry case underscores the board’s discretion when a violation appears to be accidental. According to a board briefing released on September 3, the decision aligns with the principle that ethical enforcement should balance strict accountability with fairness.

Community Reactions

Local media outlets have taken a keen interest in the outcome. The Fayetteville Examiner ran a front‑page story titled “Ethics Board Clears Former Rep. Landry,” noting that the decision has lifted a cloud over his post‑political business ventures. Meanwhile, a local town hall held on September 6 featured a panel of ethics experts and former legislators discussing the broader implications for public office holders.

“I think this decision sends a clear message that the Ethics Board is diligent but not punitive for honest mistakes,” said Dr. Susan Lee, a professor of public policy at Arkansas State University. “But it also reminds officials that they must stay on top of their disclosures.”

What Comes Next

With the charges dropped, Landry is free to resume his current role as a consultant for the Arkansas Rural Development Agency. The board has advised him to maintain a heightened level of transparency moving forward and to ensure that all future disclosures are filed promptly.

The Ethics Commission will continue to monitor compliance with state ethics laws. The board’s latest decision has been archived on its website under the “Public Records” section, providing full access to the hearing transcript, evidence, and the final ruling.

Bottom Line

The Arkansas Ethics Board’s dismissal of charges against Thomas Landry illustrates a nuanced approach to ethics enforcement—acknowledging the importance of disclosure while recognizing that errors can occur without malicious intent. For Landry and his supporters, the ruling removes a significant hurdle to his professional endeavors. For the Arkansas public, it reinforces the expectation that public officials must be forthcoming about any benefits received, while also ensuring that the penalties for oversight are applied fairly.