KNOXVILLE — A 19-year-old Knoxville man has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and third-degree sexual abuse for an act that occurred in mid-February.
Jake Christian Smith is accused of receiving oral sex from a 15-year-old female at 1101 Woodland Drive in Knoxville at that time. The incident, according to court records, was recorded for both video and audio on a laptop computer. Smith allegedly admitted to the Knoxville Police Department that he committed the act, he knew the alleged victim's age and that he knew it was wrong.
Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada tells the Journal-Express that the alleged victim in this case was assaulted by another girl who saw the video. This is how it came to the KPD's attention. The incident is still under investigation and more charges may be coming against those who distributed the video.
Smith is also facing a charge of fourth-degree theft in an unrelated matter. He is accused of stealing $320 from his roommate, who had hidden the money under a mattress. On a call with the accuser in this incident, which was held on speaker to allow an officer to hear the conversation, Smith allegedly admitted to committing this act as well.
A preliminary hearing in both matters is scheduled for Friday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m.
