(WWJ) – Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith has been handed a nearly two-year prison sentence in connection with a corruption scandal.
A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Smith to 21 months in federal prison and he must pay $70,000 in restitution, as well as a $20,000 fine.
The 55-year-old Smith, a Macomb Township resident, pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $75,000 in campaign funds for personal use between 2012 and 2019.
WWJ Legal Analyst Charlie Langton says it wasn’t a surprise that Smith was handed the 21-month sentence, which is exactly what federal prosecutors were asking for.
The judge said it was appropriate “both for a deterrent and because he’s an elected official and he involved three of his friends, including two prosecutors to try to cover up what he did,” Langton said.
Smith’s attorneys had been asking for home confinement due to health issues, but Langton says the judge told them “no way.”
“Eric Smith’s attorneys made a passionate plea to the judge. Eric Smith has some health issues – he’s diabetic, had COVID twice, he was hospitalized, and he’s remorseful. But that didn’t matter, they do have the facilities in the prison to deal with any kind of medical issues,” Langton said.
Since the sentencing was within the guidelines, Smith cannot appeal, according to Langton.
Smith has 90 days to report to the U.S. Marshals to begin his sentence.
Smith is also facing trial on state felony charges, including embezzlement and forgery. He could face up to 20 years in prison if he's convicted on those charges.
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