NEW BOSTON, Texas: A Bowie County jury sentenced a New Boston man to seven years in prison Thursday for indecency with a child by exposure.
Jerry Dean Smith Jr., 33, became acquainted with the victim and his family through church, according to a probable cause affidavit. The case was reported to law enforcement after the victim made an outcry to a school counselor that he had received nude photos of Smith from Smith.
During an interview at the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center in 2018 the boy disclosed that Smith had exposed himself to the boy while the boy was visiting his home.
Notices filed in the case by Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter refer to statements from the boy that Smith bought him an iPod and used that equipment to send him pornographic photos and videos. Smith was represented by Bart Craytor of Mount Pleasant, Texas.
According to court records, investigators were not able to find any of the photos or videos and computer equipment and storage devices .
Indecency with a child by exposure is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years. Smith received a seven-year sentence.v
Carter said she asked for a seven-year sentence because it allows the victim to attend school and become an adult without fear of running into Smith in the community.
Upon release from prison, Smith must register as a sex offender.
