ST. THOMAS — A man who pleaded guilty to assault stemming from a rape was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections Wednesday to begin serving his two-and-a-half-year prison term, V.I. Department of Justice Public Media Officer Corliss Smithen announced this afternoon.
Kenrick Smith, 53, of Est. Nazareth was arrested on Jan. 28, 2015, after a woman told police that he repeatedly raped her. He was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual contact and first-degree assault. Under the terms of a plea agreement offered by Attorney General Claude Earl Walker, Smith pleaded guilty to the single charge of third-degree assault and in exchange, the remaining counts against him will be dismissed.
According to a probable cause fact sheet filed by Det. Nigel James, the victim told police that Smith ordered her to take her clothes off and then proceeded to rape her.
At his sentencing hearing before V.I. Superior Court Judge Michael Dunston, the prosecution recommended that Smith be sentenced to five years behind bars, the maximum penalty for a third-degree assault conviction, and pay a $3,000 fine.
In addressing the court, the victim said since the case began, she has been receiving threats from Smith’s associates and friends.
“I’m scared for my life and I don’t think this is going to stop no matter what happens,” she said. Speaking in his own behalf, Smith apologized for his actions.
“I had no intention of harming that young lady… I’m asking the court to forgive me for whatever I did to that young lady,” he said.
As he handed down his punishment, Judge Dunston said this is a situation that the court takes very seriously.
“The court has determined that a term at the Bureau of Corrections is appropriate,” Judge Dunston told Smith.
Departing slightly from the terms of the plea agreement, Judge Dunston handed down his punishment of two years and six months at the BOC with credit for one day he served. He also imposed a $75 court cost.
Smith, who was free on bail pending his sentencing, was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his prison sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Eugene James Connor, Jr.
Called placed to the V.I.P.D. for a mugshot of Smith were not returned at time of writing.
Tags: 53, Kenrick Smith, rape, st thomas usvi
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