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Co-defendant in fraud case involving Houston pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell pleads guilty

Under the terms of Smith's plea agreement, he faces five to seven years in prison.

HOUSTON — The co-defendant in a high-profile fraud case involving Houston pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

Gregory Smith, 55, has admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud. 

Smith is an investment adviser in Shreveport, Louisiana and the former business partner of Caldwell. 

Prosecutors say he and Caldwell sold millions of dollars in worthless Chinese bonds to investors, promising huge returns.

Caldwell says he is not guilty and he has evidence to prove his innocence. 

Under the terms of Smith's plea agreement, he faces five to seven years in prison.

He also faces a $1 million fine, restitution, forfeiture and five years of supervised release.

His sentencing is scheduled for December 11. Caldwell’s trial is scheduled for December 2.

Read the full statement below from the United States Attorney's Office or click here.

For more information about DOJ's efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC- HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

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