Convicted Felon Paul Smith Goes to Prison Today

Former Mille Lacs Academy Executive Director Paul Lynn Smith

who was convicted last month in Oklahoma Federal Court on four counts of embezzlement, fraud, theft, and lying to Federal Authorities was denied bond while he appeals the guilty verdict that sentenced him to four 27 month prison terms - to run concurrently.

According to court documents, Smith was supposed to turn himself over to the Federal Marshall by noon today.

Smith argued that since he lied to Federal Authorities while in Minnesota, there was a question of venue. He also claimed he was not a "flight risk" and that his motion was not an attempt to delay serving time in Federal prison.

The Honorable Judge Robin Cauthron denied Smith's motion to avoid prison time until after the completion of his appeal. Here is her decision:

"Because Defendant cannot demonstrate either a substantial question or entitlement to
a reduced sentence his Motion must be denied. For the reasons set forth herein, Defendant’s
Motion for Order Staying Execution of Judgment and Granting Release Pending Appeal
(Dkt. No. 48) is DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 3rd day of March, 2010."