Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
Jamal R. Smith, 21, pleaded guilty to numerous charges that included 3 counts of armed robbery, 3 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree burglary and multiple weapons charges.
Jamal R. Smith, 21, pleaded guilty to numerous charges that included 3 counts of armed robbery, 3 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree burglary and multiple weapons charges. Two of the pleas – failure to stop for a blue light and siren and possession of a stolen vehicle – involved unrelated cases, according to Murray Glenn, spokesperson for the 7th District Solicitor's Office.
Circuit Judge Keith Kelly issued concurrent 30-year prison sentences on the armed robbery, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree burglary charges and the balance of the charges.
Smith admitted to a series of crimes on Jan. 1, 2020 in the Cedar Springs community. The spree began with the armed robbery and sexual assault of a Dominos store employee. Smith fled on foot to Aim High Fitness and sexually assaulted two women at gunpoint. From there, he moved to a nearby home and tried to force his way inside the residence at gunpoint after first begging for money. Smith ran from the home after one of the occupants brandished a weapon. The last part of the crime spree occurred when Smith attempted to rob Advanced Auto at gunpoint.
Smith was arrested the next day in the neighborhood. "It was a traumatizing sequence," Solicitor Barry Barnette said. "I'm thankful the cases were resolved without the victims having to testify about their horrible ordeals at trial.
"I hope today's guilty plea and the accompanying sentence is a positive step for the victims in their healing process," Barnette said. "I also appreciate the investigation done by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office to capture Smith."
Smith will serve 85 percent of the 30-year prison sentence before he is eligible for release and is not eligible for parole. Smith will also have his name added to the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
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