Montgomery County Precinct 1 Detective undercover investigation leads to Arrest of Ohio Man

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- On March 12, 2019, the Montgomery County (MC) Precinct 1 Detective, assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAO) Task Force was conducting an undercover internet based operation. During this investigation, the ICAC detective was contacted by a subject stating that he was thirty four (34) years old, living in Lebanon, Ohio. The subject stated to the ICAO detective that he had access to two (2) young girls, ages 4 and 8. The subject then sent inappropriate photographs of the two (2) young girls to the undercover detective. The detective immediately attempted to identify the suspect. He further determined that this suspect did in fact have access to two (2) under aged girls.

The ICAC detective immediately contacted the MC Dist. Attorneys Office Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) who assisted the ICAOC detective in making contact with the Lebanon Police Department (LPD), in Ohio. LPD investigators using information provided by the MC ICAC detective, were able to determine that the suspect lived in their city and obtain a search warrant for the suspect's residence.

The suspect was interviewed and admitted to sending inappropriate pictures to undercover detective. He (the suspect) further admitted LPD investigators that he did in fact have inappropriate contact with the two (2) young girls. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Warren County Jail, in Lebanon, Oh. without incident

The suspect is identified as Jimmy Ray Smith, W/M, 34 years of age, of Lebanon, Ohio. Smith was arrested for three (3) counts of Sexual Battery, three (3) counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity- Oriented, and two (2) counts of Endangering Children.

Smith will face further charges here in Montgomery County, Texas. This investigation and arrest showcases how local law enforcement agencies across our country are working together, to protect our most precious resource; our children. This investigation started in Montgomery County and ended twelve (12) hours Later, in Lebanon, Ohio.

Constable Philip Cash wishes to thank all agencies that participated in this investigation: The MC District Attorney's Office; MC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; The Lebanon Police Department in Ohio