Nederland man indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child

Published 12:19 am Friday, June 26, 2020

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A 26-year-old Nederland man was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury this week for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Peyton Cole Smith was arrested May 15 at his home on the charge and remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to information from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged incident was recorded on an approximate 57-second video dated in January that showed the child on a white sheet with blue print of fish, coral and mermaids when the assault was made.

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A person was able to identify the child and the adult male in the video. A search warrant was obtained and evidence was recovered at the scene, according to the affidavit.

Authorities said the victim is a 5-year-old girl.

A forensic interview was completed with the child victim at the Garth House in Beaumont. The Garth House provides a safe home-like environment for children of abuse to tell their stories, which are recorded so investigative agencies can view the DVDs instead of repeatedly questioning the children as well as providing other services, according to information from its website.

During the interview at the facility, the child made statements indicating Smith was the assailant, authorities said.