Indictment Could Determine Smithville Mayor Race

The race for Smithville Mayor concludes Thursday as voters take to the polls to determine the city’s next leader.

The race has witnessed its share of controversy, as current mayor Jimmy Poss has made headlines over the last few weeks after being indicted on theft and official misconduct charges.

According to the DeKalb County Election Commission, Poss’s name remained on the ballot in a bid for reelection.

District Attorney Bryant Dunaway declined to comment on the case, saying his office will be the one prosecuting Poss in court. Dunaway did state that the official misconduct charged against the Mayor is considered a felony.

Current Alderman and Mayoral Candidate Josh Miller declined to comment on the Mayor’s indictment. Only one Smithville alderman – Gayla Hendrix – commented on the situation, in which she released a written statement on Mayor Poss’s indictment.

“While a very unfortunate event, this situation has made the Council much more vigilant of the city’s business,” Hendrix said in her statement last week. “As your city representatives, we intend to remain vigilant and fiscally responsible as we move forward, regardless of the election outcome.”

Poss and his son, Anthony, were booked into the DeKalb County Jail July 24 after the Mayor paid his son for work completed at the city’s golf course. Poss hired his son without permission from the Board of Aldermen.