Capitol News

Edward Eugene Smith, 34, who previously lived in Cadillac and more recently in Seattle, was convicted by plea on September 12 in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County for crimes committed against a 15-year-old victim in 2018. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Smith pled no contest to charges including Child Sexually Abusive Activity, Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, and Using a Computer to Commit Child Sexually Abusive Activity.

The offenses occurred when Smith, then 28 years old, convinced a high school student to pose partially nude for photographs at his apartment. A roommate found the images on Smith’s device and notified authorities. After being charged by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney in 2018, Smith left Michigan. He was arrested in Seattle earlier this year as part of Operation Survivor Justice and extradited back to Michigan.

“This conviction is another example of how Operation Survivor Justice brings individuals with active warrants back to face their charges,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to prosecute and hold offenders accountable, no matter how long they have evaded justice.”

Smith also pled as a second-offense habitual offender due to a prior conviction from 2010 for Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration involving another 15-year-old in Missaukee County. Sentencing is scheduled before visiting Judge Bill Fagerman on October 23 at the same court.

Operation Survivor Justice is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service aimed at locating and returning fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants to Michigan.