Drug raid video back in spotlight in Hinds DA case

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith had planned at one point on bringing a slew of charges — including obstruction of justice, house burglary and perjury — against a sitting Hinds County judge, two assistant attorneys general and an undercover state narcotics agent, all while being secretly recorded by an FBI informant.

The state, represented by prosecutors with the attorney general’s office, say Smith’s actions stem from his desire to hinder the prosecution of Christopher Butler, a now convicted drug offender.

The state is trying Smith for the second time on two counts of conspiracy to hinder the prosecution and one count of acting as counsel for Butler, illegal for district attorneys or the attorney general’s office to do. Smith could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. His first trial ended in a mistrial when jurors couldn't reach a verdict.

Court testimony Wednesday afternoon revealed that Smith — with or without the blessing of other attorneys in his office and colleagues — doggedly pursued bringing an indictment against multiple agency officials before a grand jury.

Read more: http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2017/08/02/drug-raid-video-back-spotlight-hinds-da-case/532891001/