Sheriff’s Twin Brother Set for Plea Hearing After Attempted Murder Charges Dropped

Ronald Smith, twin brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith, is set for a plea hearing on July 24 in Augusta County Circuit Court.Photo byBreaking Through News

Written by: Sam Orlando

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA – The twin brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith is scheduled to enter a plea later this month following a dramatic legal twist in his case. Ronald William Smith, originally charged with attempted aggravated murder after a high-speed chase last December, now faces reduced charges, sparking controversy and questions about potential preferential treatment.

Charges Reduced: Attempted Murder to Attempted Malicious Assault

The plea hearing is set for July 24 in Augusta County General District Court. Smith, 41, has been held at Middle River Regional Jail since the incident, which occurred the day after Christmas and involved the theft of a semi-truck from Sheriff Smith's property.

The December pursuit saw deputies chasing Ronald Smith as he maneuvered a stolen semi-tractor with a goose-neck trailer through various roads, ending up in the parking lots of local schools. The chase involved dangerous maneuvers, including an intentional ramming of a deputy's vehicle and an attempt to pin another deputy's vehicle. Ultimately, deputies used tire deflation devices and a K-9 unit to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Public Outcry Over Potential Preferential Treatment

Smith’s charges initially included obstruction of justice, attempted aggravated murder, felony destruction of property, driving under the influence of drugs, misdemeanor destruction of property, felony eluding, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. However, during a recent court hearing, the most severe charges – two counts of attempted aggravated murder – were downgraded to attempted malicious assault of law enforcement officers.

This reduction in charges has not gone unnoticed. Critics argue that Ronald Smith's familial connection to the sheriff may have influenced the decision to amend the charges. Sheriff Donald Smith, in an earlier statement, acknowledged the personal challenges his family faces, stating, “As your sheriff, I am not exempt from family issues and addiction problems. I’m extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt by my brother’s actions and commend my Deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending this situation safely.”

Implications for Judicial Integrity and Public Trust

Despite the sheriff’s comments, the amendment of charges has stirred public concern about fairness in the judicial process. The community will be watching closely as the plea hearing approaches, seeking assurance that justice is applied uniformly, regardless of personal connections.

The legal proceedings against Ronald Smith will be a litmus test for the judicial system in Augusta County, particularly in cases involving relatives of public officials. The outcome may have far-reaching implications, influencing public trust in law enforcement and the courts.

Upcoming Plea Hearing to Address Legal and Ethical Questions

The plea hearing on July 24 is anticipated to provide further clarity on the case and the rationale behind the decision to drop the more severe charges. Whether this move will be seen as a justifiable legal strategy or a case of leniency influenced by high-profile connections remains to be seen.