I. Home II. Summary of Case III. Brady Smith      a. Evidence and Allegations      b. Profile      c. Audiotape Transcript IV. John Piland's Handling of Case      a. The Plea Bargain      b. The Conflict of Interest      c. The Probation Violations      d. The Untried Cases V. The Civil Cases VI. Conclusions      a. Effects on our Community      b. What You Can Do Who I Am Credits Discussion Forum

The Conflict of Interest When sexual abuse was first reported against Brady Smith in 1996, John Piland assigned the case to a special prosecutor outside Champaign County because of Smith's ties to his office.  Smith had been a probation officer prior to being Dean of Students at Franklin, and as such, had professional contacts with many people in the State's Attorney's office. However, in 2001, Piland assigned Elizabeth Dobson to the case .  When asked why he didn't seek a special prosecutor, he said that he thought enough time had elapsed so there wouldn't be a conflict of interest any longer. When asked about the relationship between Elizabeth Dobson and Brady Smith, he said that "everyone" in his office had a professional relationship with Smith due to his work as a probation officer, implying that it was no different from anyone else's. However, I doubt everyone in his office had known him since 1986 (over 15 years) and had written a glowing letter of recommendation for him as late as 1995 (read the letter here).  After reading the letter, imagine how you would feel if you son or daughter had been sexually abused by a man who was prosecuted by the person who wrote that letter. Next: The Probation Violations