State Senator Virgil Smith Sentenced To 10 Months In Jail
DETROIT (WWJ) - Michigan Senator Virgil Smith has been sentenced to 10 months in jail in connection with a shooting incident last year.
Smith, who in February pleaded guilty to one count of malicious destruction of property over $20,000, had also agreed to resign his Senate position — but that part of the plea deal was thrown out by the judge at Monday's sentencing.
Smith, 36, was arrested last Spring at his Detroit home after allegedly assaulting his ex-wife and shooting up her parked Mercedes-Benz. He's accused of firing as many as ten shots the car in what authorities said was a domestic dispute, also involving a second woman, early Mother's Day morning.
Smith initially was charged with domestic violence and assault, but those counts were dropped in an agreement with prosecutors.
Along with his jail sentence, Smith was ordered undergo alcohol and drug counseling. The judge also said Smith will have no chance for early release.
Smith is a Democrat, representing Michigan's fourth senate district, including portions of Downriver and Detroit.
It was not immediately clear if he would still chose to resign from the Senate or if he would possibly be expelled.