Cary Gaines said late Friday afternoon legal trouble will distract from his ability to serve the citizens of North Little Rock.
 
The embattled alderman came under suspicion this week when a federal grand jury handed up an indictment on a Cabot man suspected of fraud across a wide range of business ventures including no-bid contracts for North Little Rock construction projects. 

We learned this week the FBI is also looking at Gaines for his possible involvement. 

In a brief letter to Mayor Pat Hays and the city council, Gaines said "it appears it will be necessary for me to spend substantial time addressing the accusations that may well be formally made."

The U.S. Attorney's office has not charged Alderman Gaines with anything.