ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A former New Mexico congressional candidate accused of stalking a political rival and slashing her tires has pleaded no contest to felony stalking. KOB-TV reports that Gary Smith entered his plea in a New Mexico court Tuesday. According to police, Smith slashed tires of two vehicles outside Janice Arnold-Jones' home in December 2012.
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. In January, Smith was indicted for aggravated stalking or harassment, criminal damage to property and tampering with a motor vehicle.
Janice Arnold-Jones was not at Tuesday's hearing. Smith was rescheduled for another sentence hearing in two weeks.
