The trial of County Commissioner Lin Smith and his wife Melisa (Lisa) Smith, facing allegations of theft from May 2023 during their tenure as Chief and Secretary of Mixie Fire Station, has been deferred to April 4.
This continuation marks the fourth since the couple were charged.
Last May, the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office put out a press release that stated, “Comptroller investigators determined the Smiths stole at least $30,150.86 from the volunteer fire department beginning in April 2014 until they resigned in March 2020.”
The press release went on to say, “Investigators interviewed the Smiths in February 2023. The Smiths admitted they made personal transactions with fire department funds.
“Based upon this investigation, in May 2023, the Carroll County Grand Jury indicted both William and Malisa Smith on one count of theft of property over $10,000, and one count of fraudulent use of a debit card over $10,000.”
The case was originally set for June 30, 2023, then moved to August 4, 2023, according to court documents.
On December 1, 2023, another continuation was granted for January 16.
Courts were closed January 16 due to inclement weather, but on January 23, a continuation was filed for March 11.
On March 11, the case was set to continue again, this time for April 4.
Also on March 11, Commissioner Smith was present at the County Commission meeting held that evening, where he participated in legislative business. This highlights the ongoing engagement of Commissioner Smith in the County Legislature amidst legal proceedings.
At press time, neither the Attorney General nor the Smiths’ attorney have provided any statements of clarification about the continuations. We will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as they become available.
