Former Savanna Oklahoma Police Officer Jeffrey Scott Smith, 35, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday for sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and obstructing justice by turning off his body-worn camera and dash camera. This marks the first sexual assault conviction under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which imposes stricter penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, "Today the Department of Justice sends an unequivocal warning: we will hold accountable those who abuse their authority by engaging in sexual assault."
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the significance of the case, stating, "This case is historic because this is the first defendant to be found guilty and subject to the enhanced penalties in the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act."
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson remarked, "Law enforcement officers are sworn to protect and serve. When an officer uses his position of authority to victimize another, justice demands accountability."
Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office condemned Smith's actions, saying, "When an officer violates the rights of any citizen, they put the public’s trust in law enforcement at risk. The FBI will not stand for this egregious behavior."
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on Nov. 2, 2022, Smith conducted a traffic stop and sexually assaulted the victim after deactivating his body-worn camera and dash camera.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the civil rights count and 20 years in prison on each obstruction of justice count. He was detained pending sentencing, with a hearing to be scheduled later.
The case was investigated by the Oklahoma City FBI Field Office with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay Compton and Nicole Paladino are prosecuting the case.
