Staff reports

The former Fannin County clerk for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 2 has pleaded guilty to a crime stemming from her time in the role.

A news release from the Fannin County District Attorney’s Office Wednesday, the office announced Kristina Rhea Smith, 52, of Leonard, has pleaded guilty to theft over $300,000 this week.

The news release said Smith pocketed cash payments from 2006 through 2024 while she was acting as the clerk for Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 of Fannin County. 

“The plea is pursuant to a plea agreement wherein the State agreed to cap the punishment at 40 years in prison. Punishment will be assessed by the judge in this case,” the release said.  

The court has ordered a pre-sentence investigation report to be completed prior to the sentencing date on December 17, 2025, which is open to the public. The judge can assess punishment in any term of less than 40 years or could assess probation as punishment, the release said.