Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has rehired his longtime political consultant and friend, Todd Smith, just months after Smith pleaded guilty to commercial bribery charges related to a hemp licensing scheme.
The move has sparked criticism, with opponents questioning Miller’s decision to bring back an aide who admitted to felony charges.
Smith, who was initially arrested in April 2021, has been hired as Miller’s chief of staff at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) at an annual salary of $218,581, according to records from the state comptroller’s office. Despite his recent legal troubles, Miller defended the rehiring, calling Smith a “great asset” to Texas farmers and ranchers.
“Yep, he’s working for me. I’m glad to have him,” Miller told the San Antonio Press-News. “He’s a great asset, and he’s going to be great for the citizens of Texas and the farmers and ranchers.”
‘I am guilty’
Smith pleaded guilty in October 2024 to soliciting tens of thousands of dollars from individuals seeking hemp cultivation licenses. Under Texas law, the maximum licensing fee for hemp growers is capped at $100. However, the Texas Rangers Public Integrity Unit determined that Smith, while serving as Miller’s top aide, had asked applicants for sums as high as $150,000, allegedly for political purposes.
Following his guilty plea, Smith was sentenced to probation and required to pay $10,000 in restitution. As part of the plea agreement, he acknowledged that he was pleading guilty “because I am guilty and for no other reason.” His attorney said in October that the bribery case would be dismissed after two years of probation if Smith complies with the terms of the agreement, a provision that is not uncommon for first-time offenders in Texas.
Despite the conviction, Miller continued to support Smith financially, paying him a total of $3,000 from his campaign account in November and December for political consulting. Miller confirmed the payments, describing them as part of an ongoing arrangement in which Smith provides both governmental and political advice.
George Soros did it!
Miller also cast doubt on the legitimacy of Smith’s conviction, claiming that his aide pleaded guilty only to avoid what he described as an unfair trial in Travis County.
“He wasn’t guilty. He plead out because he was facing a George Soros judge and a George Soros district attorney and a Democrat jury in Travis County,” Miller said. “They basically slapped him on his wrist and sent him along his way. It’s the same thing they did to Trump—weaponization by the Democrats.”
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted Smith, strongly condemned Miller’s decision to rehire him.
“It is not surprising but disappointing that Mr. Miller is keeping a person who swore under oath that he is guilty of a felony on his team,” the office said in a written statement. “Our office is thankful to our Public Integrity Unit and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and protect the integrity of our political system in Texas.”
The case against Smith stemmed from Texas’ 2019 legalization of hemp production, which placed TDA in charge of the licensing process. Smith’s arrest in 2021 led to broader scrutiny of the department, but Miller has consistently denied any involvement in or knowledge of the bribery scheme. He was never charged in the case.
Smith pleaded guilty in October 2024 to soliciting tens of thousands of dollars from individuals seeking hemp cultivation licenses. Read More
