FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) – The U.S. attorney in western Arkansas has canceled this
month’s grand jury session because of a lack of funding caused by the government
shutdown.
U.S. Attorney Duane Kees says cases that would normally be presented to a grand
jury in the western district will be resolved in other ways. Kees says his
office could also impanel a new grand jury later in each division of the
district, so travel expenses wouldn’t be incurred.
Kees says no criminal cases will be dismissed and no trials or other hearings
will be moved.
Civil cases involving government attorneys are also on hold while the shutdown
continues.
In the eastern district of Arkansas, the grand jury has already met in January.
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