Compared to what could have transpired, Smitherman is relatively fortunate in that she may be able to evade any long-term consequences of her alleged actions. It seems many, including the Elwood Community Schools Board’s president, back her and understand her motives — even if they agree what she reportedly did was wrong — and the prosecutor’s office is working with her to avoid a criminal record. However, the situation allegedly caused her to take illegal measures, including placing the student she helped in a position where he felt he had to hide her actions.
