Louisville, KY - A federal grand jury in Louisville returned a single-count indictment yesterday charging a local man with violating a federal law prohibiting false information and hoaxes.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

According to court documents, on August 12, 2022, Jimmy Smith, Jr., 50, engaged in conduct with intent to convey false and misleading information under circumstances where such information may reasonably be believed and where such information indicates that an activity has taken, is taking, or will take place that would constitute a violation of federal law relating to a bomb.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###