Former Frankfort Attorney Gets 30 Years for Soliciting Murder of Ex-wife

JOLIET – A Frankfort lawyer convicted of attempting to orchestrate his wife’s murder from behind bars was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison.

Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak in March found Robert Gold-Smith, 54, guilty of Solicitation of Murder for Hire, an enhanced Class X Felony that carries a penalty of up to 40 years in prison.

Gold-Smith asked for a new trial but was denied.

Gold-Smith, 54, discussed paying for the murder of his wife, Victoria Smith, with at least five inmates during his time in jail. No less than three of these inmates met with detectives and offered to wear a wire while talking to Gold-Smith about killing his wife.

Only one of the five — 52-year-old Brian McDaniel — was identified in the indictment against Gold-Smith. McDaniel allegedly recorded Gold-Smith as he talked about his murderous plans.

A wire conversation between Gold-Smith and Brian McDaniel was recorded at the jail and played during his bench trial. McDaniel also testified against Gold-Smith.

Gold-Smith was initially incarcerated for viciously beating his wife in a courthouse hallway following a hearing for a protective order in November 2010, police said.

McDaniel testified during Gold-Smith’s trial. Gold-Smith’s sister, Patricia Rocco, also took the witness stand. Rocco said the voice on the recordings played for her is not that of her brother.

Gold-Smith’s case for allegedly attacking his wife in a courthouse hallway remains pending.

Gold-Smith also has a pending case for allegedly trying to buy off McDaniel before he testified against him.

Original reporting by Joe Hosey / Photo courtesy of Will County Sheriff