State Representative Robin Smith has stepped down after getting charged with federal wire fraud.

Court papers say Smith accepted kick-backs from a consulting firm that was founded under a fake name, called Phoenix Solutions.

Investigators say Phoenix Solutions was founded by a former state employee that resigned amid scandal in 2019.

He used the fake name “Matthew Phoenix” so people wouldn’t know he was the one behind the company, according to court documents.

Court papers say Representative Smith knew the real person behind the company but used her power to pressure state leaders into approving Phoenix Solutions as a state vendor.

She also encouraged other politicians to use their services, according to court records.

Court papers say Representative Smith knew the real person behind the company but used her power to pressure state leaders into approving Phoenix Solutions as a state vendor.

She also encouraged other politicians to use their services, according to court records.

State campaign finance records show seven lawmakers spent close to $80,000 with Phoenix Solutions in 2020. Court papers say a chunk of that money ended up in Smith’s pockets.

• Rep. Patsy Hazlewood spent $7,302
• Rep. Mark Hall spent $1,677
• Rep. Paul Sherrell spent $21,862
• Rep. Dan Howell spent $6,186
• Rep. Kent Calfee spent $22,789
• Rep. Charlie Baum spent $9,169
• Rep. Esther Helton spent $10,671

FOX 17 News stopped by their offices Tuesday to find out if they knew where that money was going.

“There’s a court case pending against Mrs. Smith and I believe the court proceedings should work its way out and I’ll reserve my comment until after that,” Rep. Mark Hall said.

Rep. Paul Sherrell told FOX 17 News the money he spent: “Isn’t related, thank you.”

Rep. Esther Helton gave FOX 17 News no comment.

Rep. Dan Howell sent a statement saying:

“I paid Phoenix Solutions for services rendered during my 2020 campaign for reelection.

This payment was for graphic design, printing, sorting, postage and mailing of direct mail campaign material to voters in my district.

This is the same service I have paid for when using other print / mailing vendors in previous campaigns.

Three other representatives either declined to speak with us or did not return my requests.

Representative Smith is the only person charged right now.