Ag Commissioner’s Aide Arrested

Austin (AP) – A top political aide to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has been arrested following accusations that he stole money from investors who were trying to join the state’s new hemp industry. Court records show Todd Smith is charged with third-degree felony theft. Smith is a longtime political aide to Miller, whose department issues licenses to grow hemp, which became legal in Texas in 2019. Smith is accused of taking money from prospective hemp producers who thought they were securing a license.