Former Chris Anderson pleaded guilty to official misconduct, while former Deputy Clerk Carol Smith was found guilty by a jury last month in Elkhart County, Indiana.
A judge sentenced both on Thursday, emphasizing that as elected officials, they held positions of public trust and were expected to uphold strict standards.
The charges stem from a July audit that found policies and procedures were not being followed in the Elkhart County Clerk’s Office, including employees being compensated for hours not worked. Authorities noted neither Anderson nor Smith personally profited from the discrepancies.
Anderson’s attorney, Eric Kinsman, said his client intended to provide flexibility in work schedules but acknowledged the timekeeping practices did not align with hourly requirements.
Both were convicted of Level 6 felony official misconduct. A criminal conversion charge was merged into the misconduct conviction for each.
Smith received a suspended two-year prison sentence and will serve two years of probation. Her attorney, Robert Masters, described the day as devastating for his client.
Anderson was also sentenced to a suspended two-year prison term and will serve two years of probation. He has requested a transfer of his probation supervision to Steele County, Minnesota, to be closer to family.
Both defendants expressed remorse. Anderson said he plans to make a public statement at a later time, while Smith has not yet decided whether she will appeal.
