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Residents of Smithville are disgusted, skeptical and hesitant to speak out
SMITHVILLE – Former Mayor of Smithville Scott Saunders was sentenced on July 19 after pleading guilty to his 2021 crimes, receiving only 5 years of deferred adjudication.
After pleading guilty this past May to two counts of sexual assault of a child, one of which was dismissed, and an indecency with a child charge, Saunders is now registered as a sex offender and will have to go through five years of modified probation. He will have his internet access monitored and will not be allowed at parks or schools without his schoolage daughter. Saunders has since vacated and put his insurance office in downtown Smithville up for sale. His business neighbors speak out about the ruling, but fear backlash from those he is still connected with. Not a single one of the several business owners interviewed would agree to release their name.
“That’s disgusting. I think it’s really sad our government is not protecting our young women,” said one shop owner, “I’m disappointed, it does not seem justice was served for the brave women who came forth with their stories.”
The vast majority of those who agreed to talk felt the sentencing was incredibly light.
“He fooled us all, it’s pitiful, him just getting a slap on the wrist,” said another. “’Nobody is above the law,’ Chuck Norris said that. I don’t know him, but anyone that would hurt a child should get the maximum sentence.”
For many, the ruling led to thoughts of connections that Saunders still has from his time in office, wondering what strings he may have pulled to get away from a prison cell.
“He assaulted an 11-yearold. Makes you wonder who he knows to the point where he doesn’t get anything. If anyone else had done that they’d be seeing jail time,” said an anonymous business resident.
“There is a connection between Saunders and the DA, I know the city council knew about it. It will happen again,” said another.
Robert Saunders, a relative of Scott’s, served in the 74th Legislature Texas House of Representatives from 1995 through 1997.
Every community member interviewed held concerns of public backlash in a small town, from both Saunders’ connections and fellow citizens.
“This is a close-knit town, it’s politically dangerous to have an opinion,” said one, “There’s clearly still people in this town that side with him. He’s still very connected. Old money can control politics. Anyone with such financial power, you’re not going to be in business much longer.”
Others put it more simply, “I didn’t come to a small town to dig into the dirt. I can’t get into that, sorry.”
While the overwhelming majority of the population agreed to share displeasure with the ex-mayor’s outcome, a shared sentiment of safety in anonymity dampens the outcry’s impact.
Both Saunders and the Bastrop County DA have yet to respond.
— Anonymous
