ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A former New Mexico congressional candidate accused of stalking a political rival and slashing her tires has been sentenced to a year in prison. KOB-TV reports a New Mexico district judge ordered Gary Smith on Tuesday to serve 12 more months in prison. Smith has already served around 18 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
According to police, Smith, a Republican, slashed tires of two vehicles outside of former opponent Janice Arnold-Jones' home in December 2012. He pleaded no contest last month. A lawsuit filed by Arnold-Jones' supporters resulted in Smith getting knocked off the GOP primary ballot in 2012. Arnold-Jones went on to be defeated in the general election.
Officials say after serving his New Mexico sentence, he will be extradited to Texas where he faces aggravated assault charges.
