Putman Announces Press Conference in Response to Audit

TYLER — Smith County district attorney candidate Jacob Putman will hold a press conference at 10:30 this morning at the Smith County Courthouse Annex to address a recently released audit of the Smith County District Attorney’s office. The audit showed Putman had the most incorrect dismissals or reductions out of nine prosecutors from 2013 through 2017. Putman calls the episode “a desperate attempt to attack my character and integrity.” He also attacks Matt Bingham and election opponent Alicia Barkley. Bingham says that instead of accepting responsibility, Putman is blaming others and falsely claiming confusion about office policies.

Putman released a letter Friday to his supporters, lashing out regarding a recently-released audit that criticized his performance — and the letter isn’t sitting well with current DA Matt Bingham. Part of Putman’s letter attacks Bingham and Putman’s opponent, Alicia Barkley. Among Putman’s remarks: “My opponent…has been attacking me and my character non-stop.” He adds that “the current DA and his cronies…know full well that I will fight corruption and wrongdoing no matter where I find it, including within the DA’s office. This is why they will do everything possible to keep me from winning this race.” In an email sent to KTBB, Bingham responds, in part, “Instead of accepting responsibility…Mr. Putman’s response has been to blame others and to falsely claim confusion about our longstanding office policies. He has publicly alleged that everyone is plotting against him and everyone else is corrupt. His latest letter is one of desperation and is beneath what the citizens of Smith County deserve. Mr. Putman’s letter speaks volumes about him.” Barkley did not immediately respond to KTBB’s requests for comment.