Edward Gene Smith, a former high-ranking U.S. bank executive, faces charges of sex crimes, child pornography, and obstruction of justice. His trial is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. As alleged, Edward Gene Smith systematically preyed on vulnerable young women, and he allegedly sexually assaulted young women, drugging and raping them, often recording his abuse in photographs and videos, while keeping a "large volume" of child sexual abuse material between 2019 and 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Moreover, Smith is accused of trying to pay off a victim to falsify a statement and obstruct the investigation. "As alleged, Edward Gene Smith systematically preyed on vulnerable young women," and "He allegedly sexually assaulted young women, drugging and raping them, often recording his abuse in photographs and videos," particularly in the case of "Victim-2," whom he allegedly assaulted repeatedly after persuading her to move to New York City, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Officials are asking anyone victimized by Smith to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Smith, a former bank executive, is charged with multiple crimes, including one count of sex trafficking, which carries a potential life sentence. Clayton praised the FBI for their "outstanding work" in building the case. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Remy Grosbard, Rita Maxwell, Daniel Richenthal, and Joe Zabel from the General Crimes Unit. Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and his trial will provide further details on the allegations, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
