Missing brother of congressman found unharmed

The brother of U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, who was missing since Monday morning, was found safe, the family said Wednesday afternoon.

A missing-person report was filed with the Dent County Sheriff's Office on Monday for Billy G. Smith Jr., 41, of Salem, Missouri.

The sheriff's office said Tuesday that Billy Smith was last seen Monday morning at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri.

The Smith family released a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying he had been found.

"We are so relieved to let everyone know that Billy has been found safe. We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the last few days," the statement said. "This has been a very difficult time of uncertainty and your kind words and prayers have brought comfort to our family.

"We want to express our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement officials, volunteers, family and friends who have been working around the clock to find Billy. We now request privacy as we move forward following this difficult time."

Pertinent address:

Salem, Mo.

St. Charles, Mo.