A former West Valley legislator was indicted this month in a case stemming from his allegedly forging signatures on nominating petitions last year.

Austin Cole Smith, the former Republican legislator from Legislative District 29 from Surprise, was indicted on one count of fraudulent schemes and practices, three counts of presentment of false instrument for filing, and 10 counts of illegally signing of election petitions, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Legislative District 29 serves portions of Glendale, El Mirage, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Goodyear and Morristown.

Smith served one term in the Legislature before he dropped his reelection bid in 2024 after he was accused of forging dozens of signatures on his nominating petitions. He also resigned from his position as senior director from Turning Point Action.

The potential signature forgeries came to light after three people whose names appeared on the petition said they had never signed it and challenged the petitions.

Illegally signing petitions is a misdemeanor under Arizona law, but the four other counts are felonies, according to the indictment.