A 25-year prison sentence has been handed down to Billy Hershell Smith II, a 48-year-old man from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for his role in the sexual exploitation of a child. The charges against Smith II stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that began in 2014.
According to court documents, Smith II was found to have employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor, identified as V.C., to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The indictment further alleged that Smith II knowingly possessed, attempted to possess, and accessed with intent to view matters containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The charges against Smith II include sexual exploitation of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), and possession of certain material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2).
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester commended the FBI agents who investigated Smith II for their professionalism and thorough investigation. He also expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who prey on children.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Smith II will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his sentence.
The case against Smith II is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that child exploitation can have on victims and their families. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Billy Hershell Smith II, whose exact date of birth is not specified, has been sentenced to 293 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for his crimes. The lengthy sentence is a testament to the seriousness with which the court views these types of offenses.
Muskogee, Oklahoma, May 24, 2024
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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