Date set for Smith trial
Published 10:56 am Wednesday, February 7, 2018
A jury trial has been set for Connie Smith, the woman accused of taking more than $10,000 from the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office over a period of two years.
Smith’s trial is expected to begin 9 a.m. on May 14, in the Boyle County Circuit Court. She has been charged with theft by unlawful taking of $10,000 or more and abuse of public trust of over $10,000, but under $100,000.
Smith had worked as a tax administrator for the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office. She is accused of taking money between Nov. 1, 2010, to Oct. 2, 2012.
A Sept. 1, 2013, issue of The Advocate-Messenger states that Smith was fired in October of 2012 after she refused the option of being placed on suspension by then-Sheriff Marty Elliott. A letter from Elliott to Smith said she “rejected suspension then stated, ‘Fire me.’”
A previous trial date had been set for January 2017, but then was delayed so more evidence could be examined in the case.
Files obtained from the Boyle County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office state that a diversion agreement between the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Smith’s attorney was reached that would have required Smith to repay $60,504.43 in restitution, remain on probation, perform 40 hours of community service each year and maintain full-time employment. She would have avoided jail time under that agreement.
Peckler sought to add an additional 30 days per year of weekend jail time to the diversion. It was found “unacceptable” by Smith, who then withdrew a guilty plea.
Also in court, Alfred Briscoe, 23, of Harrodsburg, was arraigned on two counts of wanton endangerment. The charges stem from a Nov. 19, 2017, altercation that occurred at the Applebee’s on Skywatch Drive in Danville. According to files from the Boyle County Clerk’s office, Briscoe, 23 of Harrodsburg, approached two individuals outside the restaurant.
“Victims advised that the above had threatened them with a black handgun telling them, ‘I will end both of your lives,’ and also through text messages to the above’s ex girlfriend telling her that he was going to ‘murder’ the victims. Victims advised an officer these threats made them fear for their lives,” the files read.
Briscoe was arrested and lodged in the Boyle County Detention Center. He is out on a $500 bond after being indicted by a Boyle County grand jury in December.
Lawyers for Jenna Oakley, the teenager accused of killing her step mother in 2016, were in court, too. Oakley was not transported for the status hearing.