The San Antonio Express- News reports
A former top aide to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of soliciting bribes from farmers in exchange for state licenses to grow hemp.
At a court hearing, the state said it had offered Todd Smith, a longtime political adviser to Miller, a plea deal that included a four-year deferred sentence, $50,000 in restitution payments and 200 hours of community service. Smith, who has maintained his innocence for years, did not accept.
State prosecutors said Tuesday that Smith has until the end of March to change his mind, but Travis County district Judge Dayna Blazey set an initial trial date for Aug. 5.
Outside the courtroom, Smith declined to discuss specifics of the case.
Smith was indicted more than two years ago on charges of theft and commercial bribery. Although court records say Smith worked for Miller at the time, the third-term Republican is not accused of wrongdoing in the case.
An investigation by the Texas Rangers focused on Smith’s dealings with hemp licenses. Under Texas law, the permits are supposed to cost $100 and are available to any qualified applicant.
Read the full story at
https://www.expressnews.com/news/texas/article/hemp-bribery-todd-smith-18637573.php
