This story of an Arkansas lawyer who is alleged to have stolen money moved from the mere mistake, to theft, to tragedy, and then legal malpractice.

"Rogers tax attorney now faces federal charges of transporting stolen funds in addition to state theft charges.

Eric Dean Archer, 36, of Rogers was arraigned Wednesday in Fort Smith on the one-count federal indictment. He was given a Nov. 13 trial date.

If convicted, Archer faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 or both.

Archer pleaded not guilty Aug. 6 to a theft of property charge in Benton County. Archer was arrested in May in Tunica, Miss., after Carol Fountain and her son, Charles, told police their 2005 federal tax returns, and payment, never reached the Internal Revenue Service.

Archer told police someone embezzled $300,000 from his business, including the Fountains’ money, and an insurance company was investigating. Rogers police say Archer never filed a report with them.

The Fountains have also filed a civil lawsuit against Archer in Benton County. That suit claims Carol Fountain gave Archer a check for $36,000 to pay her amended 2005 taxes but he never paid the IRS. Charles Fountain gave Archer $8,300, which was never paid to the IRS, according to the suit.

The civil suit alleges legal malpractice, breach of contract, conversion and constructive trust.