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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sonic Automotive released a supportive statement after the arrest of their Automotive Chief Executive Officer David Burton Smith for multiple assault related charges.
“The Board of Directors of Sonic Automotive remains steadfast in its support of our CEO, David Smith. We believe in David’s leadership, honesty and transparency, which he has demonstrated throughout his tenure as Chief Executive Officer and over 20 years of service to the Company. David has informed the Board that he is innocent of these charges and expects to be fully exonerated,” says a company spokesperson.
Original Story (10/7/20):
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County Jail records indicate that Sonic Automotive Chief Executive Officer David Burton Smith was arrested on several assault related charges Monday morning.
Smith has been charged with assault by strangulation, assault on a female, false imprisonment, and interfering with emergency communications, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s website. Records show he was released from the Mecklenburg County Jail late Monday afternoon on a secured bond.
David Bruton Smith
No details surrounding his arrest have been released at this time. According to Sonic Automotive’s website: Smith was elected as Chief Executive Officer of Sonic in September 2018. Previously, Smith served as Sonic’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer from March 2018 to September 2018, as Sonic’s Vice Chairman from March 2013 to March 2018 and as an Executive Vice President of Sonic from October 2008 to March 2013. Smith is also a director and an officer of Sonic Financial Corporation, the largest stockholder of Sonic.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
