Judge unseals letters supporting Jeff Smith

A federal judge unsealed letters asking for leniency for former Sen. Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis Friday.

The letters, which might have had some sway over the judge since Smith did not receive the maximum sentence for obstruction, included appeals from colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from three statewide elected officials- Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Attorney General Chris Koster, and State Auditor Susan Montee.

Smith was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

The government filed the request to unseal the letters Thursday, noting that neither federal officials nor Smith objected to the move.