Ex-Bridgeport mayor sentenced to 3-and-a-half years behind bars

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — David Smith, the former mayor of Bridgeport, has been sentenced to 3-and-a-half years behind bars for stealing more than $24,000 from the village.

Before learning his sentence, Smith offered an apology.

"I am sorry I got myself in this situation,” he said. “I apologize to my family, the Village of Bridgeport, my friends and those who have lost trust in me."

In July, he pled guilty to theft in office and conflict of interest.

The Ohio State Auditor's Office said he removed cash payments and corresponding traffic tickets waiting to be processed from June 2016 through November of 2019.

"You victimized the residents of Bridgeport, each and every one of them by taking more than $24,000,” Judge John Vavra said. “That money could have been used for village operations and services."

Smith has since resigned.

Vavra said Smith is barred from holding public office ever again and that he also caused harm to the village's former secretary who was not involved in any of his crimes.

"She claims to have been ostracized by residents, village employees and officials, up to council and even some of her friends,” Vavra said.

Defense attorney Steve Stickles asked Vavra to impose a community control sanction instead of a prison sentence.

"On count 2, being the first charge, you'll be sentenced to serve 36 months in the penitentiary,” Vavra said.

On the second charge, he will serve six months behind bars.

The court has a status hearing at the end of August to determine the final restitution cost.

Smith also told the court he plans to file an appeal.