When we discovered and wrote about the numerous campaign contributions to Judge Carole Smitherman’s husband, State Senator Rodger Smitherman, from entities linked to Balch & Bingham or the alleged co-conspirators in the Newsome Conspiracy Case during the height of the case, we strongly smelled corruption.

With the revelation that Senator Smitherman was sitting in on hearings of the secretive Star Chamber, we knew the situation had gone from bad to worse.

Now investigators have pointed out to us that the three contributions from NEW PAC—a political action committee run by a former Balch & Bingham attorney— to Senator Smitherman were actually two.

What caused the error?

Concealment.

NEW PAC, according to state records reviewed by investigators, made two $5,000 contributions to Senator Smitherman: On October 17, 2017 and November 20, 2017.

However, Senator Smitherman reported receiving the $5,000 contributions on October 25, 2017 and the second one on April 8, 2018.

Why did Smitherman wait almost five months to report the questionable contribution? What will court records show? Were corrupt official acts taking place in the secretive and unconstitutional Star Chamber on or around November 20, 2017?

Investigators will find the answers.

Balch & Bingham’s leadership, more concerned about satirical cartoons than the firm’s unsavory behavior, may have more explaining to do, not only to investigators but infuriated partners.