Former Texas State Trooper Andrew Smith has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for child sexual abuse, as reported by the Office of the Attorney General. This conclusion comes after Smith's guilty plea to one count of Indecency with a Child. Standing before the court, the victim, now 18, recounted the abuse beginning when she was just 14 years old.
Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed the severity of such crimes, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement in securing justice. "The sexual abuse of a child is one of the most tragic and disgusting crimes, and those responsible for such heinous acts will be punished to the full extent of the law," Paxton said, as noted by the Office of the Attorney General. After the victim reported the abuse and Smith was forced to resign, he was employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Andrew Smith admitted to the charges on May 1, 2025, subsequently placing his punishment in the hands of the judge. Assistant Attorneys General Erika Hime and Elizabeth Mireles prosecuted the case, collaborating with Kleberg County District Attorney John Hubert. The concerted efforts of these legal professionals were pivotal in securing the sentencing for Smith.
In a statement released by the Office of the Attorney General, Paxton thanked the law enforcement partners involved in the case, stating, "Thank you to all our law enforcement partners who worked to ensure that justice was secured."
