Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith is facing charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to get a friend and two assistant prosecutors to make false statements to federal authorities in his own investigation. The 53-year-old, from Macomb Township, has been charged with the felony, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The charges stem from an FBI investigation that uncovered Smith’s involvement in two fraud schemes, totaling approximately $75,000, stolen from his political campaign fund. When informed of a federal grand jury investigation, Smith is accused of trying to convince witnesses to lie on his behalf.
United States Attorney Matthew Schneider commented on the severity of the case, noting that Smith held a position of significant power within the county’s law enforcement structure. ‘Prosecutor Smith was responsible for enforcing our state laws and bringing criminals to justice, only to devolve into a criminal himself by interfering with our system of justice,’ said Schneider.
Steven M. D’Antuono, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, echoed these sentiments, stating that Smith’s actions broke trust with his supporters and constituents who expected him to use campaign funds for public service rather than personal gain. ‘Smith has thrown away a long career and become one of those criminals he promised to protect,’ D’Antuono said.
The investigation into Smith was led by FBI Special Agent Brent Nida and Robert Beeckman, with the case being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Michael Bullotta, Robert Moran, and David Gardey.
For more information on United States Attorney Matthew Schneider’s prepared remarks, please visit this link.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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