Anthony Smith entered a not guilty plea to four felony charges this Monday, opting for a written arraignment instead of an in-person appearance. That’s a bold move, folks, especially with records from Sarpy County, Neb., laying out some incredibly serious accusations. MMA Junkie got the court records, confirming the plea that MMA Fighting first reported.
The Four Felony Charges and What The State Alleges
This isn’t some minor infraction. Smith, 38, is facing a serious battle. Initially, he was hit with three felonies: one count of terrostic threats and two counts of false imprisonment. But get this, the state piled on another one: attempt of a class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony. The attorney’s office isn’t pulling any punches either, laying out the specifics of what they accuse Smith of doing. They allege he threatened to kill his wife if she didn’t go home with him after an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb. After that, they say he grabbed her and pushed her into their vehicle. And it gets worse: the attorney’s office claims investigators concluded Smith tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive, though she managed to get out of the way and avoid physical harm. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Smith eventually turned himself in.
His Wife Speaks Out and The Road Ahead
Right now, Smith is out on $45,000 bail. KETV Omaha reported he’s actually been permitted to travel out of the country to compete in a professional sporting event in the Dominican Republic in late September or early October, which is presumably Gamebred MMA. It’s wild to think he’s got a fight on the books while this legal drama is unfolding! While Smith himself hasn’t said anything since his July 27 arrest, his wife, Mikhala Smith, has. Her statement came out via Smith’s manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, and it’s definitely something. She wrote, “There’s not a lot I can say right now. I love Anthony with every ounce of my being! He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn’t. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself.” Talk about a shocking twist! Adding to the intensity, courtroom video from KETV7 of his initial hearing reportedly captured discussion about gunshots from the home and Smith allegedly threatening to kill himself.
A status hearing has been scheduled for September 21, and Smith has been ordered to be present. You know everyone will be watching closely to see what happens next in this incredibly complex and high-stakes situation.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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