Former Newton County Jailer Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Minor

A former Newton County jailer has been charged with felony sexual assault following an investigation into his relationship with an underage girl. Trevor Coy Smith, 23, of Jasper, is currently being held at the Boone County Detention Center.

The investigation began after the Newton County Sheriff's Office received a report regarding a runaway juvenile from another county. Authorities discovered that the minor had been staying at Smith's residence. Following this discovery, Smith was suspended, and the Arkansas State Police (ASP) were called in to conduct a formal investigation.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Smith initially told investigators that he believed the victim was 18 years old. However, during a second interview, Smith admitted that he knew the girl was underage and had lied to her parents about his own age. Smith also confessed to exchanging explicit photographs with the minor. It was further revealed that the victim is pregnant.

Smith was arrested Friday afternoon on a felony charge of fourth-degree sexual assault. He has since been bonded out and is under a court order to have no contact with the victim or her family. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that Smith was fired immediately upon the conclusion of the investigation.

This incident marks the second high-profile arrest involving Newton County Sheriff's Office employees in six weeks. In September, former Chief Deputy Mikel Lorne Blocker and investigator Aaron Ray Carter were arrested for the theft of firearms.

Sheriff Wheeler addressed the recurring issues, stating that these situations reflect poorly on the agency. He emphasized his commitment to integrity and transparency, asserting that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard. Wheeler vowed to continue taking immediate action and ensuring full accountability for all staff members.

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