Hinds County District Attorney Indicted on Four Charges
Attorney General Jim Hood announced today that a Rankin County Grand Jury has indicted Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith on two felony and two misdemeanor charges.
Smith, 45, of Jackson, is charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple domestic violence and two felony counts of (1) aggravated stalking and (1) robbery. These were filed as two separate indictments.
Christie Edwards, who is described in the indictment as having a former relationship with Smith, reported the alleged assault to the FBI, who then turned the case over to the Attorney General’s Office for prosecution. The indictment, which was filed May 25, states Edwards claimed Smith put her in fear of harm by pointing a firearm at her and making threatening comments. She also claimed he threw her against a counter. These crimes were reported to our office after news coverage began on the Hinds County cases. The victim has previously reported the crimes to the FBI.
Smith turned himself in to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance with a signature bond. Smith waived arraignment, and a trial date has been set for October 23.
The case is being investigated by Lee McDivitt and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Robert Anderson.
As with all cases, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney General Jim Hood Press Release
5/30/17
Magnolia Tribune
