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State Senator Arrainged on Three Felony Charges

Jake Neher, Michigan Public Radio Network

State Senator Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) has been charged with multiple gun and assault felonies. He’s accused of hitting his ex-wife and shooting 10 bullets into her car. 

Smith pleaded not guilty to three felony charges and one misdemeanor. He was ordered held on $25,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with his ex-wife. Smith missed Tuesday’s Senate session and, in a departure from the usual protocols, the Senate Democratic caucus made no effort to get an officially excused absence into the record.

Senate leaders also responded by quickly stripping the Detroit Democrat of his committee assignments and other official responsibilities. Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich. 

“The charges are very severe,” he said, “and I think it’s important for Senator Smith to focus on the criminal charges levied against him, and it’s important for us here in Lansing to focus in the work that needs to be done.”

Spokesperson Amber McCann says Senate Majority Leader ArlanMeekhoff also thinks it may be time for Smith to call it quits.

“These are very serious charges. Senator Meekhoff would hope Senator Smith would give serious consideration for his ability to still serve his constituents,”

she said. Smith was re-elected last year. His father is a Wayne County judge. It’s been 14 years since a Michigan legislator has been expelled.