Blissfield man jailed for secretly taping family friend
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
A 37-year-old Blissfield man, who betrayed the trust of family friends at a Millersburg cabin last year, is being held accountable for actions with a six-month county jail term. He also may be looking for a new profession when he gets out.
Todd Smith of Blissfield was a school psychologist for the Branch Intermediate School District when he was charged with using a camera to video tape his friend?s wife undress in the bathroom and take a shower.
The incident led to felony charges of capturing an image of an unclothed person and eavesdropping, installing or using a device, of which he was convicted and sentenced by Circuit Judge Scott Pavlich.
?JUST THE trust issue,? said Presque Isle County prosecutor Rick Steiger. ?His actions are just appalling.? Smith had no prior criminal record.
Detective Gary Ward of the Lenawee County Sheriff?s Department investigated the case and contacted officials in Presque Isle County about the incident. ?(Ward) was advised by the school district that there were concerns that Mr. Smith may have some stuff on his computer,? said Steiger.
Officers seized the computer, looked through it and came upon video of the victim, said Steiger.
A judgment of conviction will be forwarded to the board that certifies psychologists in the state. ?This is a woman who was very, very emotional over this issue.? Smith will be on probation for two years and six months, along with several conditions.