(WXYZ) — Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice charges. He now faces more than a year in prison.
During the plea hearing, Smith apologized to his wife, kids and the people of Macomb County.
In this case, Smith admitted to converting close to $70,000 in campaign funds to cash, writing checks to another person supposedly for rent and getting the money back.
He also admitted to telling two assistant prosecutors to lie to federal investigators and the grand jury.
Smith is guilty of one count of obstruction of justice. He would have face up to 20 years in prison. The plea deal is for 15 to 21 months. He also agrees to pay $69,950 in forfeiture money.
His federal sentencing is set for April 27 at 12 p.m.
Smith's case was delayed because he contracted COVID-19. He said he has never been that sick in his life.
Smith also faces several other charges issued by the Michigan Attorney General's Office that include racketeering and embezzlement. That case is scheduled to proceed this spring.
