CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — A judge has dismissed charges against St. Paris Police Chief Eric Smith, who was arrested in August after an incident involving the open carry of a firearm at the Champaign County Fair. Smith was facing charges of obstructing official business and criminal trespassing but pleaded not guilty.
According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the situation began Aug. 4 when deputies on duty at the fairgrounds were informed that Chief Smith, off-duty at the time, was openly carrying a firearm along with his police badge. Deputies reportedly approached Smith and asked him to either secure the firearm in his vehicle or leave the fairgrounds. Smith declined, and said he would continue carrying his firearm while attending the fair.
Shortly afterward, Smith was seen by other deputies, still openly carrying both his firearm and badge. He was confronted a second time and eventually arrested and issued a trespass order barring him from the fairgrounds for the rest of the event.
Monday, Oct. 28, a Champaign County Municipal Court judge ruled that Smith’s case be dismissed “without prejudice to future action,” effectively concluding the legal proceedings while leaving room for potential future actions.
Chief Smith was placed on administrative leave by St. Paris mayor Susan Prince pending investigation into the incident at the fair.
It is unclear if Monday’s ruling will change Smith’s employment status.
Check back for updates.