89°
A Crosby man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old child. District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the verdict, stating, "Crimes like this that happen under the cover of darkness need to be brought to the light so that we can get justice for the victim and their family." Ogg emphasized that Texas law allows for such strict sentences for predators like the perpetrator, Roger Allan Smith.
Smith, 55, was convicted of continuous sexual assault of a child for his repeated abuse of a family member while others were out of the home or asleep. He had knowledge of the home's security system and disabled cameras to avoid detection during the assaults.
The case came to light when the child confided in a family member, leading to the involvement of the Deer Park Police Department and subsequently the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Arcuri, along with ADA Lindsey Pearson, prosecuted Smith during a five-day trial. Arcuri commended the victim for their bravery, stating, "Our victim showed incredible strength and poise in testifying against their abuser."
The jury unanimously found Smith guilty and handed down the sentence of life in prison without parole on Friday, Feb. 23. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of bringing such heinous crimes to justice and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.