Sam H. Smith, 69, was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor at the conclusion of a two-day trial before Circuit Judge John Hayes.
Sam H. Smith, 69, was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor at the conclusion of a two-day trial before Circuit Judge John Hayes.
The child’s mother reported the crime to police on Aug. 21, 2008. The victim was 9-years-old at the time of the report. The child consistently described the sexual acts committed on her during interviews with law enforcement and a forensic examination at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Assistant Solicitor Susan Reese utilized testimony from law enforcement, the victim, the Children’s Advocacy Center and medical professionals to argue her case.
“I admire the victim’s courage,” Reese said. “She was very believable as she recalled the horrible events.”
Smith testified during the trial. He said the child made a sexual advance toward him on one occasion.
“Detective Ashley Ross Wright and her peers at the Greer Police Department deserve a lot of credit for the guilty verdict,” Reese said. “They poured their hearts into this case from their first conversation with the child.”
The defendant will serve 80 percent of the prison sentence before he is eligible for release. He will be added to the Sex Offender Registry when he is released.