TJ Smith sentencing set for Dec. 4

T.J. Smith

TERRE HAUTE -- Former Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Terry "T.J." Smith will learn his fate in United States District Court on Thursday, Dec. 4.

That's when Smith, convicted in September on two counts of violating the civil rights of two people under arrest, will be back before Judge William T. Lawrence for a 1:30 p.m. sentencing hearing.

A federal jury found Smith guilty on two of four counts he faced in the case. Federal prosecutor Bradley Blackington told the Banner Graphic Smith is likely to receive a 24- to 30-month sentence for each conviction, with the sentences likely running concurrently.

Perhaps more importantly, the felony convictions immediately ended Smith's career as a police officer and his tenure on the Greencastle City Council.

The former deputy has been free on his own recognizance since his Sept. 12 conviction.

Smith was arrested by the FBI in March following an extensive investigation.