Date: 07-10-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Richard Smith and Amanda Irene Smith

Case Number:

Judge: Sara E. Hill

Court: The United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma (Tulsa County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Tulsa

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Tulsa, Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendants charged with Child Abuse and Neglect
Salina Couple Sentenced After Being Found Guilty of Child Abuse and Neglect

In June of 2023, a federal jury found Joel Richard Smith and Amanda Irene Smith guilty of Child Abuse in Indian Country and Child Neglect in Indian Country.

Joel and Amanda Smith were legal guardians for the 9-year-old child victim. In April 2019, the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a child who escaped to a neighbor's home, was hungry, filthy, and in need of medical attention.

At trial, the child victim testified about the abuse and neglect that she suffered at the hands of the defendants. She described being forced to do manual labor in the yard with her hands, like digging holes and moving large rocks. She would be locked outside for extended periods, even in poor weather. If the child was allowed to eat, she said it was usually a bottle, oatmeal, or baby food. At night, she would crawl into the kitchen to get food because she was hungry. After being caught, she stated she was handcuffed to the pack-n-play she slept in. She described being forced to wear diapers instead of being allowed to use the restroom, being hit with a broom that broke on her head, a belt, and a horsefly.

Testimony from medical professionals revealed that the child entered the home of the Smiths at age four and weighed 50 pounds. However, in April 2019, at age nine, the child victim only weighed 41 pounds. Medical professionals testified about the child's malnutrition, bruising, and infected handcuff wounds.

At sentencing, Joel Smith took responsibility for his actions and inactions. However, Amanda Smith continued to deny any involvement.

Joel Smith will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Amanda Smith was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Melody Nelson prosecuted the case.

Outcome:

Defendants were found guilty and sentenced to

Amanda Irene Smith to 240 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

Joel Richard Smith to 180 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: