Sheriff’s Office Reviewing Policy on Case Submissions
Posted/updated on: July 23, 2014 at 10:31 am
TYLER (Staff/AP) — Sheriff Larry Smith and the Smith County Sheriffs Office Command Staff are in the process of reviewing incidents in which inmates were released on personal recognizance bonds. According to a news release, these inmates were released due to their cases not being filed with the District Attorneys Office in time to indict. Officials say each case file will be reviewed at the Sheriffs Office as well as any Sheriffs Office communications to or from the District Attorneys Office.
From this time forward, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Smith County Sheriffs Office will provide both Chief Deputy Robert Carlson and Sheriff Smith a carbon copy of any email correspondence with the District Attorneys Office, according to the news release. Sheriff Smith says he has contacted the District Attorneys Office advising of this policy. Smith reports he has also asked that the District Attorneys Office please include Chief Carlson as well as the Sheriff in any email correspondence regarding outstanding cases.
Sheriff Smith reiterated, There is no substitution for open and concise communications. It is of the utmost importance especially in dealing with law enforcement business involving victims as well as suspects. The life and liberty of both depend upon the local investigative and prosecutorial entities doing their job, doing it expeditiously, thoroughly, constitutionally and above all fairly. Smith says all Sheriffs Office arrests are being tracked and misdemeanor cases are being required to be filed with the District Attorneys Office within 30 days, with all felony cases to be filed within 45 days of incarceration.
It was reported over the weekend that eight people jailed on felony charges, including violent crimes, have been freed from the Smith County Jail after Smith failed to present evidence to a grand jury within 90 days of their arrest. The Tyler Telegraph reported Sunday that according to documents it obtained through an open records request the suspects were released on their own recognizance between November 2013 and June 30. Another 13 could have been released but were held after additional charges were brought or due to federal retainers. Among those who have been released are a 56-year-old accused of shooting three people during a disagreement and two others charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
