Madison County Circuit Clerk Jane Smith sentenced in federal court

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Madison County Circuit Clerk Jane Smith appeared before Judge Harwell Davis in federal court on Monday morning.

Smith plead guilty to three federal misdemeanor charges for allowing unauthorized access to a justice system computer network.

Judge Davis sentenced Smith to one year probation and $5,000 fine.

The charges against Smith stem from work done by a consultant. Federal authorities said Smith gave her password to a consultant.

The password issue was brought to Smith's attention two years ago as part of an investigation of the outside contractor and his access to state court computers.

The contractor, who has not been named, is the retired IT Director and Deputy Administrator of Courts for The Alabama Court System.

He was hired as a consultant to integrate the computer system of the clerk's office with the sheriff's department.

Smith admitted she handed over her password to the consultant.

Smith was informed by federal authorities that sharing the password violated a federal statute.

Smith recently won the nomination for the Republication Party for her third term to be Circuit Clerk.

WAFF 48 News was in the courtroom and will bring you the latest on WAFF 48 News at Noon.

Related Stories:

• Jane Smith to appear before federal judge
• Jane Smith remains Madison County Circuit Clerk
• Circuit Clerk admits to sharing password

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