Ex-Judge Pleads To Mail Fraud

Former Knox County Judge-Executive Raymond C. Smith pleaded guilty to a federal mail-fraud charge Monday.

Smith admitted that during his term from 2002 to 2006, he had false bids prepared for county projects to cover the fact that companies owned by him or family members did the work. Smith mailed false information to a state auditor, which resulted in the fraud charge, according to a court document.

The maximum prison sentence under the charge is 20 years, but Smith’s sentence probably will be much shorter. The plea deal also calls for him to pay restitution of $110,000 to the county.

Smith’s brother Henry Matt Smith pleaded guilty to aiding the scheme. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years, although it also is likely to be much shorter.

The brothers are to be sentenced in June.