Smithville Ex-Mayor Receives Sentencing for Sexual Assault Charges

Former Smithville Mayor Sentenced to Five Years Deferred Adjudication After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Assault Charges

SMITHVILLE, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, the former mayor of Smithville, Scott Saunders Jr., has been handed a sentence of five years deferred adjudication after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault. The verdict came after Saunders was arrested in May 2021 on three counts, including two counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child from Bastrop County.

A joint statement issued by the current Smithville mayor, city manager, and chief of police acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Saunders, noting that they emerged through Facebook posts alleging possible indiscretions committed by the former mayor. This revelation triggered widespread public outcry, leading to Saunders’ resignation from office in January, despite having been re-elected just months earlier in November 2020.

In May 2023, Saunders entered a guilty plea not only for the Bastrop County charges but also for an additional sexual assault charge from Fayette County. However, the court concluded that he was not guilty of one of the counts of sexual assault of a child, bringing some relief to the accused. Nevertheless, the gravity of his offenses necessitated punitive measures beyond a mere guilty plea.

Consequently, Saunders has been ordered to register as a sex offender and serve five years of deferred adjudication. This means that, for the next five years, he will effectively be on probation. As Adam Loewy, an independent attorney commenting on the case, explained, the conditions of deferred adjudication are rigorous. Those subjected to it must undergo drug and alcohol screening, attend counseling, and comply with various requirements. In Saunders’ case, these restrictions also encompass a prohibition on being in the presence of children, except for his own biological children. It is worth noting that, ordinarily, first-time sexual assault offenses involving minors in Bastrop County often result in imprisonment.

Court documents highlight the specific terms of the deferred adjudication sentence imposed on Saunders. These conditions include a complete ban on internet access without monitoring software installed and a strict prohibition on interacting with anyone under the age of 17, with the exception of his biological children. Furthermore, Saunders is not permitted to come within 1,000 feet of schools or playgrounds unless accompanied by his own children.

While the court’s decision seems to align with the severity of the crimes committed, some members of the community have expressed concerns about potential corruption within the Bastrop County justice system. In correspondence with FOX 7, one individual labeled the system as “corrupt,” highlighting the alleged leniency shown toward a former mayor who pled guilty to two felony charges of sexual contact with a minor and one charge of indecency with a child. Another concerned citizen called for an explanation from the District Attorney’s office as to why such a deal was struck.

FOX 7 reached out to both the Bastrop County District Attorney’s office and Saunders’ attorney for their comments on the matter; however, no response has been received thus far. Attorney Adam Loewy emphasized the need for transparency, particularly when dealing with elected officials, insisting that the District Attorney must explain the reasoning behind their decision-making process.

This case follows the recent sentencing of former Smithville police chief Michael Maugere in February 2023. Maugere, too, received deferred adjudication after pleading guilty to a gambling promotion charge, underscoring the challenges faced by the Smithville community in recent months.

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