MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A 40-year-old Marion County resident has been found guilty of five counts of sexual assault-related crimes against a minor.
Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky of the Fifth Judicial Circuit found Jerrell Lamont Smith guilty on charges stemming from a 2023 arrest.
Smith was arrested in March 2023 after a victim came forward to the Ocala Police Department (OPD) about abuse caused by Smith. The victim told OPD that Smith had sexually abused them multiple times between the ages of 10 and 15.
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According to OPD, the victim provided in-depth details of the “lascivious acts” they endured. Detectives from OPD’s Major Crimes Unit launched an investigation and determined there was sufficient probable cause—based on the victim’s testimony—to arrest Smith.
Smith reportedly declined to speak with law enforcement upon his arrest, opting instead to await an attorney.
Smith’s court date took place on Thursday, January 23. Judge Kissner-Kwatkosky convicted him of three counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim under 12 years of age, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim aged 12 to 15, and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition.
“Coming forward as a victim of sexual abuse takes enormous courage,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Our office is grateful to the brave victim for stepping up to stop their abuser. We also extend our gratitude to Detective Denise Drake for arresting this defendant and ensuring he faces the fullest extent of the law.”