Attorney General Kwame Raoul says a Washington County Circuit Court Jury has found an Ashley man guilty of sexually assaulting his two young stepdaughters in 2022.
Joseph Smith was found guilty of two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He faces a 12 to 120-year prison term. Smith is next scheduled to appear in court on June 6th.
Raoul is pleased with the jury’s decision. He notes sexual assault and abuse of children can leave lifelong emotional scars, particularly when the abuse is perpetrated by someone in a position of trust. Raoul says he appreciates the collaboration by the Washington County State’s Attorney’s office that allowed them to obtain justice for the victims.
Washington County State’s Attorney Daniel Janowski is thanking the Attorney General’s Office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this case. He says their cooperation and assistance have made our communities safer by convicting a sexual predator of these awful, heinous crimes.
Raoul’s office prosecuted Smith, who sexually abused his two stepdaughters who were between the ages of 11 and 12 in 2022. Smith was arrested and charged on Jan. 7 in Washington County Circuit Court after the children reported the abuse at school.
Assistant Attorneys General Vanessa Minson and Bill Bryant for Raoul’s office handled this case.
