Eugene Smith was accused of embezzlement in October 2007. Smith pled guilty to embezzlement December 10th, 2007. He was sentenced to federal prison by a judge Rosemary M Collyer on May 8th, 2008. (US District court)

Why isn't he in custody? He drew six months of confinement -- he should have started his term by now, and should still be marking up the walls of a prison somewhere.

But he has not started to serve his time. He has certainly not come and gone -- been put in and been released. I'm looking at data from the federal "Bureau of Prisons" that indicates he's never been processed into the system.

Now, sometimes, a convicted felon makes a deal with the courts and prosecuters to give evidence against a "bigger fish". By turning over what he knows about other criminal activities, a felon may stay out of prison, or get a reduced sentence, or even enter a "witness protection program" and start a new life under a new name.

It happens.

But what could Eugene P Smith possibly know about other criminals who might be of interest to federal investigators?

A couple quirky things.

Why are the the LISD board's July 2008 meeting agendas posted in the 2008-2009 directory structure? Shouldn't the business of 2007-08 (fiscal year ending 31 August) be wrapped up before we start the meetings for 2008-09?

Odd to have a Wednesday meeting (the 9th) rather than a Monday. Another change by the new board members.

Strange to see the agenda proposing to "approve administrative appointments." I might have supposed the budget still needed review before the number -- and pay rates -- for administrative appointments could be discussed.

Oddest of all -- Didn't President Morris propose to introduce conservator James Damm to the board at that meeting? Are these introductions so intimate they must occur in the executive session?