ES man found innocent of unlicensed work charge

EUREKA SPRINGS -- A jury of six men and six women found Chuck M. Wofford, of Eureka Springs, innocent of performing electrical work without a license or permit on Oct. 22.

Wofford, who represented himself, was originally convicted in Eureka Springs District Court in May and appealed the decision to Carroll County Circuit Court.

The case arose from electrical, plumbing and gas work Wofford did at a duplex he owns on Singleton St. in August 2007.

During the original trial in district court, Wofford argued that city officials were "out of control."

Eureka Springs City Attorney Tim Weaver argued that Wofford was not licensed in Arkansas, in violation of city and state codes, and did not pay for inspection and testing.

The case is somewhat unusual, as it was transferred from the civil division of the court system into circuit court, which hears criminal cases.