UFC fighter Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to Nebraska felony charges
Smith faces four felony counts including terroristic threats and false imprisonment following an incident in Gretna, with a status hearing set for September 21.
Former UFC fighter and current commentator Anthony Smith has entered a plea of not guilty to four felony charges in Sarpy County, Nebraska. The 38-year-old athlete elected to submit his plea via written arraignment rather than appearing in court in person, according to court records obtained by MMA Junkie.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in Gretna, Nebraska, following an altercation at a local bar. According to the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife if she did not accompany him home. The office further alleges that Smith grabbed his wife and pushed her into a vehicle, then attempted to strike her with the vehicle on multiple occasions after she escaped during the drive.
Smith initially faced three felony counts: one count of terroristic threats and two counts of false imprisonment. The state has since added a fourth charge of attempt of a class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony. Smith turned himself in to authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Smith is currently released on $45,000 bail. Despite the pending legal proceedings, he has been granted permission to travel internationally. Reports from KETV Omaha indicate that Smith is authorised to compete in a professional sporting event in the Dominican Republic scheduled for late September to early October.
While Smith has not publicly commented since his arrest in late July, his wife, Mikhala Smith, issued a statement through his manager, Brian Butler. She affirmed her safety and described Smith as a good man struggling with mental health issues, stating he would never intentionally harm her.
Courtroom video from Smith’s initial hearing, reported by KETV7, revealed discussions regarding reports of gunshots emanating from the Smith residence. The footage also captured allegations that Smith had threatened to take his own life during the incident.
A status hearing is scheduled for 21 September, at which time Smith is ordered to be present. The outcome of the upcoming hearing remains to be determined as the legal process continues in Nebraska.
