Vero Beach resident Scott Eric Smith, convicted and sentenced in Okeechobee County to 20 years in prison plus 10 years probation for selling cattle stolen from a local ranch and keeping the $279,000 proceeds, faces a second trial here in Vero this month for second-degree grand theft from the ranch, plus a firearms charge.
The case involves a cast of characters that could only be assembled in Florida – including a reality TV contestant who makes craft whiskey, and a guy awaiting sentencing on federal corruption and money laundering – with a plot resembling novels by prolific 32963 author Carl Hiaasen.
Smith, 54, was arrested on Oct. 27, 2020, when a “fugitive from justice” warrant popped up during a traffic stop, and he was caught with a shotgun he was not authorized to carry as a convicted felon.
When the Sunshine State is finished with Smith on his local charges, he is wanted in Wyoming on 31 counts of cattle rustling, theft and forgery. In addition to cattle rustling, Smith’s alleged exploits include scamming wealthy hunting enthusiasts via a private adventure guide scheme…