Defendant Convicted of Invasion of Privacy of a Child

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a man who repeatedly pulled down the pants of an eleven-year-old while she slept.  Ezekiel Abraham Schmaltz, 32, was found guilty-as-charged of two counts of Invasion of Privacy and one count of Assault.  Judge Hector Sanchez set the case for sentencing on March 24.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Franklin Ammons explained to the jury that on April 21, 2021, Schmaltz was staying as a guest at the victim’s family home.  The victim, an eleven-year-old child, was sleeping on a couch in the living room when she woke up to Schmaltz standing over her and her pants pulled down slightly.  Schmaltz told the victim he thought he heard something and that she should go back to sleep.  The victim woke up a second time to Schmaltz standing over her and her pants pulled down further.  Again, he told her to go back to sleep.  A third time, the victim woke up to Schmaltz standing over her.  This time, Schmaltz had his phone out, and the child’s pants were pulled down to her mid-thigh.  When the victim told her parents, they notified the Knox County Sheriff’s Office who investigated the case and arrested Schmaltz.  The victim was forensically interviewed by ChildHelp of East Tennessee.

“Children should be safe in their homes when they sleep, not preyed upon,” said DA Charme Allen.  “Thanks to the work of the victim, her family, and law enforcement, this child is safe, and the defendant will be held accountable.”

Invasion of Privacy when the victim is under thirteen is a Class E felony that carries a punishment of one to two years.  At sentencing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence because Schmaltz has a prior adjudication for Attempted Aggravated Sexual Battery.  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.