CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A former officer accused of initiating an unauthorized chase where two people died is also accused of hiding evidence in the case.
Prosecutors say former College Park police Sgt. Donnie Smith never called in the crash, didn’t stop to help the victims, and even laughed after the incident.
Channel 2’s Tom Jones was in the courtroom Friday as Smith asked to be let out on bond.
Smith’s attorney said his client was not a threat to the community, and his supporters say he is a person of high character.
Prosecutors questioned Smith’s character after what they say troopers heard on his video right after the crash.
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“You just watched what turned out to be a fatal accident where two people died, and you’re laughing,” prosecutor Andrea Thomas said.
The mother of Matthew Benton, one of two people killed in a crash, was floored when she heard Smith laugh after he chased a stolen car her son was a passenger in, and it hit a tree.
“Why would you laugh like you did it intentionally. Like mission accomplished,” Deolisa Benton said.
Smith is accused of initiating the unauthorized chase that reached speeds of more than 100 mph in August.
When the car crashed at the I-285 east/I-75 south exit ramp, police say Smith never stopped to help or report what happened.
Prosecutors said he tried to conceal the video of the incident. That didn’t sit well with Benton’s mother.
“You’re trying to hide the video. What else have you tried to hide?” Deolisa Benton said.
Smith was in court asking for bond on a vehicular homicide charge.
His attorney said he is not a threat to the community and read several positive character letters from his co-workers.
“I’m asking for a $15,000 bond,” defense attorney Devin Rafus told the court.
Prosecutors said Smith is a threat.
“The state will be asking for no bond in this matter,” Thomas said.
The judge called this a troubling case but still gave Smith an $80,000 bond.
Benton’s girlfriend, Miquael Abernathy, said it doesn’t make sense.
“Justice must be served. Him getting a bond is insane,” Abernathy said.
Smith faces several other charges, including violation of oath, reckless driving, and hit and run.
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