Politics & Government
Former Santa Clara Co. Sheriff Guilty In Corruption Trial
Former Santa Clara County sheriff Laurie Smith has been declared guilty on all six counts in her civil corruption trial.
PALO ALTO, CA — On Thursday afternoon, a jury officially declared former Santa Clara County sheriff Laurie Smith guilty on all six counts in her civil corruption trial, according to a Mercury News report.
As previously reported, misconduct allegations against Smith by the Santa Clara County civil grand jury included doling out concealed carry licenses to campaign donors, and accepting San Jose Sharks tickets without reporting them as gifts.
Smith, whose civil trial began in September, has denied the claims. A guilty verdict even one charge would have resulted in removal from office and a ban on running for public office.
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Smith started with the sheriff's office in 1973 and has been sheriff for the last 24 years.
As the jury deliberated, Smith announced Monday she would retire. Undersheriff Ken Binder announced he will take over as acting sheriff, Smith's office said in a brief release.
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