John E. Childress Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
Jamie M. Powell and Richard Smith, residents of Anderson, Indiana, have been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to sexually exploit a minor. Powell has received a 25-year federal prison sentence followed by lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, she is required to pay $10,000 in restitution.
Smith has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison with lifetime supervised release following his guilty plea on similar charges. He must also pay $10,000 in restitution. His federal sentence will run consecutively with state convictions related to methamphetamine dealing and possession, as well as battery against a public safety officer.
Court documents reveal that Powell's children were involved, including Minor Victim 1 who was between one and two years old during the offenses. In early 2020, the Department of Child Services (DCS) sought to terminate her parental rights. She later moved with three of her children and Smith while her youngest children remained under DCS custody.
Between late 2020 and early 2021, Powell and Smith exchanged messages discussing Smith's interest in her children and bestiality. They agreed for Powell to produce explicit content involving Minor Victim 1 for Smith. During court-ordered visitations with supervision present, Powell covertly recorded explicit material which was then shared with Smith.
Authorities found over 2,400 images of child abuse material on Powell’s phone along with about 170 videos depicting bestiality. On Smith’s phone were more than 5,000 images and videos of child abuse material.
The investigation was led by the Indiana State Police Pendleton Post with support from U.S. Secret Service and Indianapolis Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force among others. The sentences were delivered by U.S District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
John E. Childress stated: “Parents...are cruel and vile monsters...Jamie Powell and Richard Smith will now spend decades in federal prison...” Special Agent Ike Barnes added: “Child sexual exploitation is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated.”
Detective Bradley Tucker emphasized the importance of reporting suspected child exploitation crimes while expressing gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Preston for her efforts in this case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood aimed at combating child sexual exploitation initiated by the Department of Justice since May 2006.
