Former state Sen. Jeff Smith begins prison sentence

ST. LOUIS — A former state senator from St. Louis is starting his year-and-a-day prison sentence.

Jeff Smith pleaded guilty in August to obstruction of justice. KMOX Radio reported his prison term was starting Tuesday in Kentucky.

Smith must also pay a $50,000 fine. He resigned from the Senate after admitting he concealed his involvement in coordinating a political attack against Russ Carnahan in a 2004 Democratic congressional primary.

Former state Rep. Steve Brown, a fellow Democrat who helped Smith in the 2004 race, was sentenced to two years probation and fined $40,000. He also resigned after pleading guilty to conspiring to obstruct justice.

Smith's campaign treasurer, Nick Adams, received two years of probation and was fined $5,000 for conspiracy to obstruct justice.