Embattled Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith Not Running For Re-Election

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Facing a series of allegations of corruption and civil rights violations in her office, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith announced Thursday she would not run for re-election in the upcoming June primary and will retire at the end of her current term.

In a prepared statement, Smith said "it is with some regret that I announce my retirement from service at the end of my term in January of 2023." She said she was prioritizing the interests of the county in announcing an end to her 49 years at the sheriff's office, with the last 24 years as sheriff.

"As a public official, sometimes you make powerful enemies," said Smith. "Decisions to stand up for a victim of a gang rape, oppose a Judge who leniently dealt with a sexual offender because of his privileged status or taking on other elected officials to protect the public and a former reputable newspaper because it was the right thing to do makes you a target. I accept that fact."

Smith has denied any wrongdoing amid a series of allegations of misconduct and corruption involving either herself or her office in the past several years.

Thursday's statement comes just over a month after the union representing rank-and-file deputies overwhelmingly voted to endorse her challenger in the election, the latest political and legal blow for the embattled Smith:

In January, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil rights investigation into the sheriff's office.

In August of last year, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced Smith was under investigation for a pay-to-play scheme involving concealed carry weapons permits.  Shortly after, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed a unanimous vote of no confidence.

In December, a civil grand jury indicted Smith on corruption charges.

In 2020, the county settled a lawsuit for $10 million dollars over neglect and mistreatment of a jail inmate.

In 2018, three sheriff's deputies were convicted of second-degree murder for beating an inmate to death in 2015.

In her statement, Smith also refuted any allegations of wrongdoing, highlighted her office's accomplishments as the first woman to be elected sheriff in California, and took aim at those she blamed for her current political plight.

"The truth and evidence is absolutely clear. I have always served the people of Santa Clara County and have never engaged in any behavior that would warrant the media animus, false legal narrative, or political attacks currently in the public domain," said Smith. "I have always dismissed these attacks for what they are - specious attempts by unsavory political opponents in retribution for serving the public with honor."

Smith said false narratives about her will be ultimately be "repudiated by truth," adding "I believe in truth."