Sheriff Fined for Campaign Violations

TYLER — According to documents from the Texas Ethics Commission, Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith broke multiple Election Codes and Ethics Commission Rules. The documents state Sheriff Smith did not disclose campaign contributions, file a timely semiannual campaign finance report, or file campaign finance reports correctly; was improperly reimbursed for political expenditures; and used contributions for personal use. Reports show Sheriff Smith used $3,920.36 worth of political contributions for two books, one of which has been published, “The Christmas Day Murders.” The commission fined Sheriff Smith $1,600 for his violations. Smith wasn’t immediately available for comment.