MOUNT VERNON — The trial for a former Skagit County Jail deputy accused of fondling a female inmate has been postponed until July 16.

Anthony D. Smith is charged with second-degree custodial sexual misconduct and fourth-degree assault. He is accused of fondling a female inmate in January 2007.

Smith, a three-year veteran of the Skagit County Jail, was fired.

His jury trial was originally set to begin Wednesday.

The inmate told an Anacortes police officer investigating the case that Smith approached her while she lay in bed, reached under her jail uniform and touched her breast, according to court documents.

Four former inmates told the investigating officer that Smith had touched or talked to them in a sexual way.

The two charges are misdemeanors, each with maximum penalties of one year in jail.

Smith was arrested March 21, 2007, and released without having to post bail.