A former police officer from Savanna, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and obstructing justice by disabling his body-worn and dash cameras. Jeffrey Scott Smith, aged 35, was convicted under the enhanced penalties introduced in the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
The incident occurred on November 2, 2022, when Smith conducted a traffic stop involving K.H. and her then-boyfriend J.G. After discovering that J.G.'s license had expired, Smith issued him a speeding ticket and began asking personal questions about their relationship. During this interaction, he deactivated his body-worn camera.
K.H., who revealed she worked at a gentlemen's club when questioned by Smith, was later subjected to a search of J.G.'s car where Smith found a promotional marijuana cigarette in her purse. Instead of arresting or ticketing her, Smith turned off his dashboard camera before sexually assaulting K.H. in his patrol vehicle.
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma stated: "Smith’s despicable acts traumatized the victim and soiled the reputation of the law enforcement community." He expressed gratitude towards the FBI, OSBI, and prosecutors for their efforts in securing justice.
Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office remarked: "The entire law enforcement profession is disparaged when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve." He commended the joint efforts to hold Smith accountable and emphasized their commitment to justice for victims.
The investigation was conducted by the Oklahoma City FBI Field Office with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Clay Compton for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.