Ludlow Man Indicted for Conversion of Mortgaged Property

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ludlow man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for fraudulently selling cattle and hay that was mortgaged to the Farm Service Agency.

Allen Shane Smith, age 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2011, for Conversion of Mortgaged Property. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 1, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Department of Agriculture. Assistant US Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Smith was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.