Ex-deputy sentenced for luring a minor

Smith had been indicted on five other criminal allegations, including sexual abuse and official misconduct, but those charges were dismissed following a plea agreement.

Daina Vitolins, special district attorney on the case, asserted through formal charges that Smith committed the offenses between September 2015 and August 2016 on an underage girl from Hood River who was a family friend.

In court, Vitolins referred to an incident in September 2015 as a point when Smith’s relationship with the juvenile began to change.

“The defendant provided alcohol and as part of getting out of the hot tub exposed himself to her, and it was that sort of activity that happened on three or four occasions over the year, culminating with the defendant showing her a letter and offering to teach her about sex, essentially,” Vitolins said.

The victim texted a friend of hers, and her mother discovered the message on her daughter’s phone.

“That’s how all this came to light,” Vitolins said.

Hood River County Sheriff Matt English was told about the accusations the day before Smith’s arrest in September 2016. Smith was placed on administrative leave and English requested that Oregon State Police investigate the deputy’s actions. Smith resigned amid the police investigation.

The case was referred to Vitolins, who serves as Crook County District Attorney. A Hood River County grand jury indicted Smith on seven charges in November. He subsequently pled not guilty to all counts.

However, Steve Meyers, Smith’s attorney, confirmed in court May 11 that his defendant had changed pleas on two of the charges — luring and invasion of privacy — to guilty. The other five charges were dismissed.

Judge Bronson James, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge, sentenced Smith. The defendant will get credit for time previously served in custody.

James said the luring felony can either be designated as a sex crime or not, and via the plea agreement reached among parties, Smith’s conviction will not be considered as such. Thus, Smith was not required to register as a sex offender.

The judge noted the court will maintain the authority to review the matter within a year of Smith’s probation, and if “something unexpected were to turn up,” officials could set the luring charge as a sex crime in the interest of public safety.

Smith was lodged at Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton Thursday afternoon, May 18.

Leading up to his resignation last fall, Smith had worked for the sheriff’s office for about 17 years.

English said of Smith’s sentencing, “Law enforcement officers are not above the law and must be accountable for their actions whether on or off duty.

“It is unfortunate that the poor choices of one person have affected so many people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families in this case. We hope the conclusion of this case will help bring them closure.”