Commissioner Phillips Reacts to Son’s Guilty Plea

TYLER � Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips is offering a brief response after his son Lance (pictured) got probation in a visual recording case. According to KETK, the elder Phillips did not want to go on camera, but he says in a statement: “The court handed down the sentence they thought was appropriate. Now, it’s time for my son to abide by the court’s decision. No matter what, we stand by our son and love him.” He also says his son’s actions will not affect the way he serves the county.

Earlier, Lance Phillips of Tyler pleaded guilty to improper visual recording with intent to gratify. Phillips, 27, was sentenced to two years in prison; that sentence was suspended, and he was given 5 years probation. Phillips turned himself in to authorities in March of last year. A woman had found a hidden camera in her bedroom. Other electronic devices were also located. She said the camera had been placed there by Phillips, who was her landlord. Phillips’s mother is County Clerk Karen Phillips.