A disturbing case of child abuse and neglect has resulted in lengthy prison sentences for a Salina couple. Joel Richard Smith, 49, and Amanda Irene Smith, 45, were found guilty of Child Abuse in Indian Country and Child Neglect in Indian Country by a federal jury in June 2023.
The couple’s crimes were uncovered in April 2019, when the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a 9-year-old child who had escaped to a neighbor’s home. The child was found to be hungry, filthy, and in need of medical attention. The child’s condition was a result of the abuse and neglect she suffered at the hands of the Smiths, who were her legal guardians.
At trial, the child victim testified about the horrific conditions she endured. She was forced to do manual labor in the yard, including digging holes and moving large rocks with her hands. The child was often locked outside for extended periods, even in poor weather, and was given minimal food, usually a bottle, oatmeal, or baby food. The child would often crawl into the kitchen to find food because she was hungry.
The child’s testimony also revealed that she was physically abused by the Smiths. She was hit with a broom that broke on her head, a belt, and a horsefly. The child was also forced to wear diapers instead of being allowed to use the restroom and was handcuffed to her pack-n-play at night. Medical professionals testified that the child suffered from malnutrition, bruising, and infected handcuff wounds.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced the Smiths in separate hearings. Joel Richard Smith was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Amanda Irene Smith received a sentence of 240 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Joel Smith will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, while Amanda Smith was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Melody Nelson. The sentences handed down to the Smiths reflect the severity of their crimes and the long-lasting impact they had on the child victim. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of child abuse and neglect accountable for their actions. The office also praised the bravery of the child victim, who testified about the horrific conditions she endured. The case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and action to prevent child abuse and neglect in all communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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