Civil Grand Jury Accuses Santa Clara County Sheriff of Corruption
Wed, 12/15/2021
The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury formally accused Sheriff Laurie Smith of public corruption and mismanagement on Tuesday. The seven counts handed down by the Grand Jury are as follows:
- Illegally issuing concealed carry weapon permits (CCWs) to favored individuals (VIPs)
- Failing to properly review CCW permit applications for non-VIPs
- Allowing non-VIP CCW applications to languish
- Accepting unlawful gifts in the form of suite tickets for a Sharks hockey game as well as food and beverages
- Failing to report those gifts on required financial forms
- Committing perjury by failing to disclose gifts
- Failure to cooperate with the internal affairs investigation regarding the treatment of inmate Andrew Hogan
The Grand Jury heard testimony from over 60 witnesses in the case.
Laurie Smith has been Santa Clara’s top cop since 1998. Mounting allegations against her administration led the Board of Supervisors to request an inquiry. The Board passed a vote of no confidence in the sheriff this fall and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo called for her resignation in August.
Smith is expected in court on Jan. 10.
Read the Grand Jury filing here.
