Police Officer Indicted for Attempted Production of Sexually Explicit Conduct of a Minor

COLUMBUS—A federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging Todd L. Smith, 49, of Columbus, with two counts of attempted production of sexually explicit conduct of a minor and one count of coercion of a minor for sexual activity. Smith is a Columbus Police officer.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Edward J. Hanko, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced the indictment returned today.

The indictment alleges that on April 14, 2012 and on May 14, 2012, Smith tried to coerce a minor to make sexually explicit videos of herself engaging in a sex act and a sexually explicit photo of herself and send them to him. Each of the counts is punishable by at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison.

The third count charges Smith with coercion and enticement of a minor in connection with a second victim between May 1, 2012 and July 25, 2012. Smith allegedly texted the minor repeatedly and arranged to meet with her to engage in sexual activity. That crime is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

FBI agents arrested Smith on July 26. He has been in custody since his arrest. An arraignment and bond hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 20, 2012 at 9:30 before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.

Stewart commended the FBI agents conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Squires, who is prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.