Port Allen police chief sentenced

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Port Allen's police chief will spend the next seven years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme.

Fred Smith, 41, was found guilty in October 2011 on RICO charges, mail fraud, wire fraud and use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering.

Smith asked for and received cash, sports tickets and other bribes from FBI informants.  In exchange, he gave them Port Allen Police badges, got State Police and City Marshal tickets dismissed, provided a letter asking a Connecticut judge to grant leniency for a defendant Smith didn't know, and provided confidential police information on several individuals.

In addition to the bribes he received, Smith also sought cash for more police badges and equipment, and a lease on a condo in New Orleans for more confidential police information.

Smith was sentenced to 90 months behind bars, a $17,000 fine, and forfeiture of $18,990.

Smith is the third man to be sentenced as part of Operation Blighted Officials.  Former New Roads Mayor Thomas Nelson Jr. was sentenced to 11 years and former White Castle Mayor Maurice Brown was given 10 years.  Three others await sentencing: Former St. Gabriel Mayor George Grace Sr., former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis, and former Port Allen Council Member Johnny Johnson.

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