Former Michigan State Senator Takes Plea Deal In 2015 Case

DETROIT, MI — A former state senator in Michigan who was previously accused of shooting at his ex-wife's vehicle in 2015 has pleaded guilty to the reckless discharge of a firearm, Wayne County Prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Virgil Smith Jr., of Detroit, also pleaded guilty Wednesday to malicious destruction of property over $20,000, prosecutors said. The guilty pleas took place during a pre-trial conference and are in exchange for a sentence agreement to a term of probation, according to prosecutors.

Other charges against Smith, including felonious assault, domestic violence, assault and battery and felony firearm were dismissed as a part of the plea, prosecutors said.

The accusations against Smith stem from May 10, 2015, when prosecutors said Smith's ex-wife visited his home on Wexford Street and found another woman at the residence.

Prosecutors said at the time that Smith assaulted his ex-wife and shot at her 2015 Mercedes several times with a rifle.

"The alleged actions of Senator Smith cannot and will not be tolerated," Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy said at the time.

Smith will be sentenced Oct. 28 before Judge Lawrence Talon.