Texas Ag staff told police they were wary of Sid Miller’s political consultant. Now he’s the agency’s chief of staff.

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Just 10 months ago, Todd Smith was preparing to stand trial, accused of soliciting exorbitant fees in exchange for state hemp licenses. Smith was a top political consultant for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, whose office provided the licenses.