Nicholas O. Smith, 37, was arrested last Saturday and remains in Henry County Jail as his case proceeds in Henry Circuit Court 3. Police allege he battered a juvenile; he faces two felony charges.
The Courier-Times reported that Smith is charged with domestic battery on a person less than 14 years old, a Level 6 felony, and a second Level 6 felony count of domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old.
Plea Entered; Initial Hearing Scheduled
Smith entered a preliminary plea of not guilty, according to the report. He remained in Henry County Jail on an $8,000 surety bond and a $600 cash bond, and entered his plea at an initial hearing on Sept. 21. A jury trial was scheduled for Jan. 6, 2027.
The Courier-Times report includes police and witness accounts of the alleged incident. The online court record tied to the docket did not provide further case information; the case remains in its early stages.
Local help and reporting options
For child abuse or neglect concerns, the Indiana Department of Child Services says its Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts anonymous reports. For domestic-violence-related support, Henry County Safe at Home lists crisis intervention and safety planning, court escort, information and referrals, and help arranging emergency shelter among its services.
