Co-defendant in Kirbyjon Caldwell fraud case pleads guilty

Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, right, talks to reporters after conducting a press conference to address the accusations against him of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering at the Magnolia Hotel Friday, March 30, 2018, in Houston. ( Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle ) less Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, right, talks to reporters after conducting a press conference to address the accusations against him of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering at the Magnolia Hotel Friday, ... more Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Co-defendant in Kirbyjon Caldwell fraud case pleads guilty 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

A co-defendant in a multimillion dollar fraud case against Houston pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell has pleaded guilty, federal officials said Tuesday.

Gregory Alan Smith, 55, a Shreveport investment adviser, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal officials said.

Prosecutors said Smith and Caldwell, the senior pastor of the Windsor Village United Methodist and spiritual adviser to former President George W. Bush, used their influence to sell about $3.5 million in worthless Chinese bonds to elderly and vulnerable investors, according to court records. The bonds are not recognized by the Chinese government.

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Caldwell denies the claims and has pleaded not guilty to charges of federal fraud. His case is set to go to jury trial Dec. 2.

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