Former KBI Official Charged With Child Sex Crime

A former Kansas Bureau of Investigation deputy director has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child and trying to destroy evidence.

The Shawnee County prosecutor filed the charges Thursday against 57-year-old Kyle G. Smith, of Topeka. County jail officials said he was released around 5:20 p.m. after posting a $15,000 surety bond.

Prosecutors allege Smith possessed a photo of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He’s also charged with two counts of interference with law enforcement, alleging he tried to destroy evidence on a telephone and on a computer.

Smith’s attorney, Thomas Haney, didn’t immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking comment. Smith doesn’t have a listed phone number.

The KBI said in November that Smith was no longer with the agency but would not say why.