WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Former Teacher Faces Judge on Statutory Rape Charges

Former Teacher Faces Judge on Statutory Rape Charges

By Monica Hernandez
monica@wlbt.net

Tears and nervous nail biting marked 38-year-old Sheral Smith's initial appearance in Rankin County court. The former teacher was charged with one count of statutory rape against a 14-year-old boy in September. Now, she's facing four more counts of the same crime against the same teen. She pleaded not guilty.

"We're not making any conclusions at this time, and we'd ask that no one else make any conclusions. There's a lot of allegations, but the evidence supporting them hasn't been made known to the public yet, or even made known to us," said Matt Baldridge, an attorney with John Colette and Associates.

The alleged victim claims the sex crimes happened at Smith's home in Brandon on five different occasions between June 1st and August 27th 2008. Smith is also facing charges for the same crime with the same victim in Hinds County.

Smith's older sister believes Smith is innocent, saying Smith worked hard to complete her education after a divorce. Smith taught at New Summit School in Jackson for only three weeks before she was arrested. The boy is a student there, but Smith wasn't his teacher.

Rankin County Judge Kent McDaniel is ordering Smith to get psychological treatment at Region 8. She's also barred from any unsupervised contact with minors as a condition of her bond. Judge McDaniel made the decision after Smith underwent two psychological evaluations.

"The judge wanted to ensure himself that if she were released on bond, there would be sufficient protections to ensure that this wouldn't happen again," said Michael Guest, Rankin County District Attorney.  

In a rare move, Smith's counsel is asking Judge McDaniel for a preliminary hearing. Smith isn't entitled to one because she made bond, but McDaniel will make the final decision on whether to grant the request.

District Attorney Michael Guest said he hopes to present the case to a Rankin County grand jury later this month if the investigation is complete.