FORMER STATE SENATOR SMITH SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

(01/16/2008)
Former state Senator Lisa Smith (Republican) was sentenced yesterday to spend two years in federal prison and pay restitution of $943,000.

Smith, who defeated Sen. Oshel Craigo (Democrat), served part of Roane County, after the senatorial district was gerrymandered.

The Putnam County woman plead guilty to tax evasion and mail fraud charges in 2007.

Smith's reported troubles began when she failed to pay $79,000 in income taxes on her home health business, keeping the money for herself.

The fraud charges are related to an election filing in which the senator lied about contributions from her supporters.

Officials said Smith could have been sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.

Smiths' husband, Mark, has already been sentenced to six months home confinement and five years probation.