Theft Charges Against Ex-Maine Sheriff Dropped

Donnie Smith was accused of misappropriating more than $11,000 from the county's inmate benefit fund

Prosecutors have dropped felony theft charges against a former Washington County sheriff in Maine.

Donnie Smith was accused of misappropriating more than $11,000 from the county's inmate benefit fund by spending it on gifts for deputies, meals and other items that didn't benefit inmates over six years.

The Hancock County District Attorney's office decided Monday to dismiss the case. It says that after further interviews with witnesses and a review of the policy of how inmate funds should be used, it's unclear that any laws were violated.

District Attorney Toff Toffolon says there's some lack of definition around what does or doesn't benefit inmates.

Smith served as sheriff between 2007 and 2014. He is headed to trial in early July on charges in an unrelated case.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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