LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Vincent Smothers built his reputation as Detroit’s most notorious hit man. Now, the convicted killer is making headlines again—this time accused of trying to sell false testimony from behind bars.

Attorney General Dana Nessel on August 28 charged Smothers, 44, with obstruction of justice and contraband possession after investigators say he conspired with another inmate to profit from bogus testimony about a 2007 homicide, The Detroit News reported.

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Smothers, already serving 50–100 years for eight murders at Muskegon’s Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility, allegedly worked with Shannon Anderson to file a fake affidavit backing Anderson’s claim of self-defense in a fatal shooting. A contraband cellphone discovered in Smothers’ cell, however, tipped off investigators.

According to Nessel, the whole plot boiled down to one motive—“Money.” Rather than telling the truth, Smothers allegedly tried to profit off his notoriety as a contract killer, using written testimony to bolster other inmates’ defenses in exchange for money.

Both men now face new felony counts that could add years to their prison terms.

The charges have reignited questions about Smothers’ history of confessions, some of which have already played a role in high-profile retrials. In the case of Thelonious Searcy—convicted in the 2004 murder of Jamal Segars—Smothers signed multiple affidavits claiming responsibility. Searcy was released in 2021 after the Michigan Court of Appeals ordered a new trial.

While prosecutors have long doubted Smothers’ shifting stories, defense attorneys say his detailed confessions included facts only the real gunman could know. His latest case suggests the courts may see even more twists ahead.