BRUTUS - The Sennett highway superintendent, flanked by several supporters, pleaded not guilty in Brutus Town Court Tuesday to allegations that he doctored records to hide the theft of nearly $565.

James F. Smith, 58, of Center Street Road, Auburn, was charged with offering a false instrument in the first-degree, a felony, and two misdemeanor counts of petit larceny after Sennett Town Supervisor David Sikora alerted the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office to discrepancies in Smith's expenditures and other financial matters.

After he was interviewed by Detective Thomas Weeks on Oct. 30, deputies accused Smith of stealing the money for his own personal gain.

Because the Brutus Town Court is not allowed to resolve felony charges, Smith's attorney, Thomas Shannon, requested to move the case to a higher court so he could discuss the case with Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann.

Shannon declined to offer any further comments.

Smith has been employed by the town for more than 25 years as the highway superintendent, Sikora said. Smith's salary for 2008 was $45,840.37 and he was going to receive a $1,833.61 raise according to the 2009 budget.

Smith was re-elected as highway superintendent in 2007, with his term scheduled to end in 2009, according to records from the Cayuga County Board of Elections. Smith was also the president of the Cayuga County Town Highway Superintendents Association from 2004 to 2005.

Sikora had previously stated that the town would not comment on the charges until they are resolved.

Brutus Town Judge Andrew Maltese set the next tentative court date for Jan. 6.

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net