July trial set for Canton alderman facing bribery charge
A Canton alderman is facing a federal charge for allegedly accepting or soliciting a bribe on behalf of the city.
The federal indictment is lean on specifics, but it alleges that between May and October in 2012 Louis Smith, who represents Ward 4, “did corruptly solicit, demand, accept and agree to accept things of value from a person, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a series of transactions.”
Those items were valued at $5,000 or more, according to the indictment.
Smith, 56, was arraigned in federal court Thursday afternoon on one felony bribery count before Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson. The three-term alderman was dressed in a Madison County Jail uniform and shackled at the hands and feet. Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted a $10,000 bond with a conditional release.
Clarion Ledger
5/10/13
Magnolia Tribune
