Judge Tells Defendant to ‘Do Better,’ During Sentencing

By Jenna Ferrick [former] - February 21, 2023
Court | Juveniles | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects |

During the sentencing hearing of defendant Eric D. Smith, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced him to 82 months of incarceration followed by 10 years of supervised release. The sentence was imposed after Smith, 52, accepted a plea deal in December of 2022. 

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree child sex abuse. He was originally charged with three counts of second-degree child sex abuse and simple assault.

The crime occurred on July 16, 2022, when police responded to a sexual abuse allegation at an apartment complex on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. The victim reported that a man had assaulted her and touched her butt without consent. Smith was then identified as the offender by the victim and was arrested at the apartment complex, according to court documents. The victim was a minor during the offense. 

Smith openly apologized to the victim and described this case as a “wake-up call,” saying he is a “changed man”. 

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Milton discussed Smith’s lengthy criminal history, including robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, and explained his time is running out and he must “do better everyday”. 

In addition to the sentence, Smith has to register as a sex offender as well as contribute $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.