Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has rehired his longtime political guide and good friend, Todd Smith, simply months after Smith pleaded responsible to industrial bribery prices associated to a hemp licensing scheme.
The transfer has sparked criticism, with opponents questioning Miller’s resolution to deliver again an aide who admitted to felony prices.
Smith, who was initially arrested in April 2021, has been employed as Miller’s chief of workers on the Texas Division of Agriculture (TDA) at an annual wage of $218,581, in keeping with information from the state comptroller’s workplace. Regardless of his latest authorized troubles, Miller defended the rehiring, calling Smith a “nice asset” to Texas farmers and ranchers.
“Yep, he’s working for me. I’m glad to have him,” Miller instructed the San Antonio Press-Information. “He’s an awesome asset, and he’s going to be nice for the residents of Texas and the farmers and ranchers.”
‘I’m responsible’
Smith pleaded responsible in October 2024 to soliciting tens of 1000’s of {dollars} from people looking for hemp cultivation licenses. Beneath Texas legislation, the utmost licensing price for hemp growers is capped at $100. Nevertheless, the Texas Rangers Public Integrity Unit decided that Smith, whereas serving as Miller’s high aide, had requested candidates for sums as excessive as $150,000, allegedly for political functions.
Following his responsible plea, Smith was sentenced to probation and required to pay $10,000 in restitution. As a part of the plea settlement, he acknowledged that he was pleading responsible “as a result of I’m responsible and for no different purpose.” His legal professional mentioned in October that the bribery case can be dismissed after two years of probation if Smith complies with the phrases of the settlement, a provision that’s not unusual for first-time offenders in Texas.
Regardless of the conviction, Miller continued to assist Smith financially, paying him a complete of $3,000 from his marketing campaign account in November and December for political consulting. Miller confirmed the funds, describing them as a part of an ongoing association by which Smith gives each governmental and political recommendation.
George Soros did it!
Miller additionally solid doubt on the legitimacy of Smith’s conviction, claiming that his aide pleaded responsible solely to keep away from what he described as an unfair trial in Travis County.
“He wasn’t responsible. He plead out as a result of he was dealing with a George Soros choose and a George Soros district legal professional and a Democrat jury in Travis County,” Miller mentioned. “They mainly slapped him on his wrist and despatched him alongside his approach. It’s the identical factor they did to Trump—weaponization by the Democrats.”
The Travis County District Legal professional’s Workplace, which prosecuted Smith, strongly condemned Miller’s resolution to rehire him.
“It’s not shocking however disappointing that Mr. Miller is retaining an individual who swore underneath oath that he’s responsible of a felony on his workforce,” the workplace mentioned in a written assertion. “Our workplace is grateful to our Public Integrity Unit and legislation enforcement companions who labored tirelessly to carry the defendant accountable and shield the integrity of our political system in Texas.”
The case towards Smith stemmed from Texas’ 2019 legalization of hemp manufacturing, which positioned TDA accountable for the licensing course of. Smith’s arrest in 2021 led to broader scrutiny of the division, however Miller has persistently denied any involvement in or data of the bribery scheme. He was by no means charged within the case.
