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ALBANY---State Sen. Ada Smith turned down a deal offered by the Albany County district attorney's office on charges that she threw coffee in the face of a former staff member and threatened to kill her.
Smith, 61, would have had to take anger management classes and pay a $1,000 fine in return for a guilty plea to third degree assault, a misdemeanor.
The nine-term Queens Democrat faces up to a year in jail or fine if convicted. She has pleaded not guilty. Her next court appearance is late May.
Smith's attorney, James Long, said that the offer was essentially the same sentence she would receive if she loses at trial except it would guarantee her no jail time.
The misdemeanor charge was lodged against Smith on complaint of former aide Jennifer Jackson, 41, who says that Smith threw a cup of hot coffee on her and pulled her hair after Jackson made a comment about Smith's weight. Jackson has also claimed that Smith threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident.
Jackson was treated at St. Peter's Hospital after complaining of eye, neck and back injuries.
An order of protection was issued for Jackson which prohibits Smith from having any contact with her. Jackson has resigned from Smith's staff.
Following her arrest, Smith was stripped of a $9,500 annual stipend and the use of a state car due to her "consistent pattern of inappropriate conduct". 4-27-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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