Man reprieved from 60-year prison sentence arrested again

Herbert Smith, 24, accused of breaking into Parkland home

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man whose 60-year-prison sentence was suspended last year is facing new charges.

A search of Broward County's recent arrests shows that Herbert Smith, 24, was taken into custody Monday on charges including burglary, probation violation and grand theft.

According to an arrest report, the charges stem from a September home burglary in Parkland.

Deputies said Smith and another man, Deshaun Robinson, 18, broke into a home on Northwest 66th Way.

Robinson threw a brick through a bedroom window to gain entry and the men ransacked the home, stealing about $30,000 in jewelry, authorities said.

The jewelry stolen included the victims' wedding rings, diamond bracelets and earrings.

Robinson was arrested on Oct. 28 and remains in jail.

Smith was released from prison in December 2015 after Judge Matthew Destry suspended his 60-year sentence for a series of robberies.

Community members rallied around the case and started an online petition, claiming that the punishment was too harsh. Destry honored the petition.

Smith was sentenced to 15 years' probation with the condition that the previous sentence could be reinstated if he violated its terms.

After he was released from prison, Smith was hired full time at a landscaping company.  He spoke exclusively to Local 10 about his new path.

"I'm actually working. I'm living a regular life. It feels good," Smith said during a March 2016 interview.

Smith's boss recently told Local 10 that he stopped working at the company months ago.

"He was supposed to start a new job on Monday," Smith's mentor, the Rev. Allen Jackson, said. "He is in church almost every Sunday. I speak with him several times during the week. At this point, I still stand by his side and support him."

The Sun Sentinel reported in October that Destry resigned after being accused of receiving help on his re-election campaign from one of Smith's mentors.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.