WEST MEMPHIS, AR (abc24.com) - How would you like to get paid without even showing up for work? That's what's happening with a West Memphis Councilman who hasn't been seen at City Hall in months.
"It is unfair. Totally unfair," said Sue Jones, a West Memphis resident.
Council member Philip Carter pleaded guilty in September for his role in a plot to trade fried chicken and vodka for votes in a State House Race. Ark. State Rep. Hudson Hallum also pleaded guilty and resigned.
Carter did not, and continued to collect his $800 monthly council paycheck. City officials say Carter's guilty plea wasn't enough to stop payments. They say he would have had to resign, or the city will have to wait until he is sentenced.
"It is a shame, terrible. Our government needs a lot of reform," Jones said.
"It is stealing in my book, that's like me reaching into your wallet and not working for that money and just taking that home," said Frisco Ward, a West Memphis resident.
A woman at Carter's home said Carter wasn't there, then asked us to get off her property.
"I think that he should be voted out. I think that he should not have anything to do with anything that has to do with politics and he should go to jail for stealing our money," said Ward.
Carter's term is up at the end of the year. If he continues to collect paychecks, he'll have banked more than $3,000 since his guilty plea.
The City says his next $800 check is set to be deposited on Friday.
