An investigative series into how a developer left land buyers empty-handed.
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By C.S. Murphy (Contact), Amy Upshaw (Contact)
(Friday, June 20, 2008)
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Sharp County developer Wayne Watkins and three of his business partners, accusing them of “unconscionable” behavior that violated the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. » Read story.
By Amy Upshaw (Contact)
(Wednesday, June 18, 2008)
Hardy developer Wayne Watkins, who is wanted on a felony theft charge in connection with failed land deals and believed to be in Mexico, was reported to have been back in Sharp County two weeks ago, strolling down the aisles of a Wal-Mart. » Read story.
Civil case to target developer of resort lots on Spring River
By C.S. Murphy (Contact), Amy Upshaw (Contact)
(Tuesday, May 20, 2008)
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Monday that he plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of consumers against Sharp County developer Wayne Watkins, whose conduct McDaniel described as “reprehensible.” » Read story.
So far, state agencies taking no action against developer in land deals gone bad
By C.S. Murphy (Contact), Amy Upshaw (Contact)
(Monday, May 19, 2008)
When victims of Wayne Watkins’ failed land deals turned to government agencies for help, they felt further victimized. » Read story.
They say Sharp County developer never delivered on promises, took money to Mexico
By C.S. Murphy (Contact), Amy Upshaw (Contact)
(Sunday, May 18, 2008)
HARDY — For two decades, people in this northcentral Arkansas town saw Wayne Watkins as a visionary who created resort developments along the scenic Spring River and boosted the area economy. Now, people he lured here to buy property see him as a thief. » Read story.
are from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and FREE to Online and newspaper subscribers. 
