Child Abuser Convicted of Thirty-Eight Counts

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained thirty-eight convictions against a man who sexually assaulted two children over the course of several years.  Darrin Wayne Smith, 57, was convicted of multiple counts each of Rape of a Child, Attempted Rape of a Child, Rape, Aggravated Statutory Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, Aggravated Sexual Battery, and Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure.  Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on November 4.

In a four-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Jordan Murray explained to the jury that Smith was a father figure to the two victims.  When the first victim was seven years old, Smith began sexually assaulting and molesting the child.  The abuse continued after the child turned sixteen.  Smith also began sexually abusing the second victim when she was ten years old, and the abuse continued until the victim was thirteen.  At that time, the victim told a counselor about the abuse, and the counselor reported the abuse to authorities.  Knoxville Police Department Investigator Phyllis Tonkin gathered evidence and spoke to the victims.  Inv. Tonkin and Department of Children’s Services Investigator Greg Boderck interviewed Smith who made incriminating statements. 

“These children were abused for years,” said DA Charme Allen.  “Thanks to the bravery of these victims, no more children will be harmed by this defendant.”

Rape of a Child is a Class A felony that carries a punishment from twenty-five to forty years in prison without the possibility of parole.  Rape and Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure are Class B felonies, carrying a punishment between eight and twelve years.  At sentencing, prosecutors will seek a sentence long enough to ensure that Smith never leaves prison.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Erin Morrison aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.