Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ared-4_18-cv-00793/USCOURTS-ared-4_18-cv-00793-7/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 850
Nature of Suit: Securities, Commodities, Exchange
Cause of Action: 15:78m(a) Securities Exchange Act

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS 

CENTRAL DIVISION 

STRATHCLYDE PENSION FUND, 

Individually and on Behalf of All Others 

Similarly Situated 

v. No. 4:18-cv-793-DPM 

BANK OZK and GEORGE GLEASON 

ORDER 

PLAINTIFFS 

DEFENDANTS 

I note 1n the recent filings the discussion of 

PricewaterhouseCoopers' s role as one of Bank OZK' s outside auditors 

and the related exhibits. I had not focused before now on the identity 

of these auditors. In reviewing the docket, I see that the parties 

identified PwC and Crowe as the outside auditors in a joint status 

report filed in August 2021. Doc. 100 at 3. PwC is on my recusal list. 

An immediate family member is employed by that firm in another state 

as an auditor. To my knowledge, my family member has not worked 

on or been involved with any Bank OZK matter. While I'm unable to 

make a final decision without the benefit of Strathclyde's briefing on 

the summary judgment issues, and Bank OZK' s reply, my tentative 

thought is that my impartiality in this case could not reasonably be 

questioned in these circumstances. 28 U.S.C. § 455(a). But, I wanted to 

alert the parties about this issue and advise them that I will make a final 

Case 4:18-cv-00793-DPM Document 170 Filed 02/14/22 Page 1 of 2
decision about recusal after I have a clearer sense of how PwC may 

factor in this case. Though no response is required, I welcome the 

parties' views. If any party wishes to be heard on this issue, please file 

a notice along with your next summary-judgment-related paper. 

So Ordered. 

D .P. Marshall Jr. 

United States District Judge 

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