Sheriff Smith pleads innocent to OVI

Columbiana County Sheriff David L. Smith has pleaded innocent to the charge of OVI, operating vehicle under the influence.

The sheriff’s attorney, Bradley P. Koffel, sent the plea as well as a motion to preserve evidence in the case via fax Thursday to Cambridge Municipal Court, according to its Web site.

Smith was to be arraigned last Tuesday, but a judge agreed to extend that date to Oct. 31. It is unclear on the Web site if Oct. 31 will be his next court date in Cambridge.

Koffel is the managing partner in a Columbus law firm that specializes in defending clients charged with alcohol and drug-related offenses, according to the firm’s Web site.

Smith was driving an unmarked county car when he was stopped on his way back from Columbus.