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Wood County Constable Charged with Federal Violations
SHERMAN, Texas – A federal grand jury has dealt a blow to law enforcement in East Texas, returning an indictment charging a local official with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
Kelly Jason Smith, 46, a Wood County Precinct 2 Constable, was named in the indictment returned by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2023, in Sherman, Texas, charging him with deprivation of rights under color of law.
According to the indictment, on July 25, Smith directed his police dog to bite a suspect who did not pose a threat that warranted use of the police dog. These actions resulted in unnecessary bodily injury to the suspect.
The indictment alleges that Smith’s actions were in clear violation of the suspect’s civil rights. If convicted, Smith faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson for the Eastern District of Texas is leading the prosecution.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting the civil rights of all individuals, regardless of their profession. The people of Wood County and the surrounding area deserve to feel safe and protected by their law enforcement officials.
A grand jury indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kelly Jason Smith, Wood County Precinct 2 Constable
Deprivation of rights under color of law
Sherman, Texas
November 10, 2023
Up to 10 years in federal prison
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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