Former Missouri lawmakers Jeff Smith, Steve Brown learn their fates

KSDK -- Former St. Louis lawmaker Jeff Smith has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison in an obstruction of justice case.   Former state representative Steve Brown will serve two years probation and a $40,000 fine.

Smith is a former Democratic state senator. His attorney sought in-home detention at the sentencing on Tuesday, but U.S. District Judge Carol Jackson said the crime deserved prison time.

Nick Adams was sentenced to two years of probation and fines of $5,000.

All three men pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal charges stemming from wrongdoing during Smith's ill-fated run for Congress in 2004. Brown aided Smith's campaign and Adams was the campaign manager.

During that campaign, Steve Brown coordinated the funding, production and distribution of negative campaign mailings aimed at Russ Carnahan through John Doe.  The negative mailings did not identify Jeff Smith or his campaign committee.

Smith and Brown resigned from the General Assembly.

After his sentencing, Smith spoke to reporters outside the Eagleton Federal Courthouse.  "I'm a very competitive person by nature.. there were a lot of things that I hoped to do in office.. in the heat of the campaign I made a decision that I regret." said Smith.

"Carrying this burden was obviously difficult," he added.

Steve Brown said he is relieved to know he will be able to go home after sentencing and be with his family.  "I'm relieved, but by no means elated and certainly not a time for celebration," he explained.