HOMER, La. (AP) - State police say a north Louisiana mayor has been arrested on six counts of malfeasance in office.
Monday’s arrest of Homer Mayor Alecia Smith, 41, followed an investigation by state police, the Legislative Auditor’s Office and the Claiborne Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators allege that Smith misused public funds from 2011 to 2013, taking non-work-related trips paid for by the town, using town credit cards for expenses during those trips and falsifying records to justify the expenses. They allege that Smith used town credit cards to download non-work related audio files and data to her home computer. And they say Smith failed to pay hundreds of dollars in water bills.
Smith was released on bond Monday from the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. She did not return a call to her office seeking comment Tuesday afternoon. It was not immediately known if she has an attorney.
In 2010, Smith became the town’s first female mayor. She was appointed on a 3-2 vote to replace former Mayor David Newell following his resignation. She won election in the fall.
The Times of Shreveport reports (https://bit.ly/1dnZ6XX) that Smith’s term has been marked by turmoil, including conflicts with Homer’s police chief, Russell Mills. At least two attempts have been made to disband the department, the latest happening in December.
Smith was targeted with a recall petition last year. It was declared invalid in September because of insufficient signatures.
A state police news release Tuesday said that if Smith is convicted she would face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.
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