Jurors convict man of rape of two underage females; family says they will appeal

A Logan County jury took less than 90 minutes to find a man guilty of four charges including first-degree rape of victims under the age of 14.

Leroy Raymond Smith, 38, was found guilty of two counts of rape and two counts of lewd acts with a child. The verdict came down on April 26 in the District Court of Logan County.

After the jury revealed their verdict, they returned to the jury’s room to deliberate and recommend a punishment for the crimes.

The jury, who listened to three days of evidence, delivered a verdict of 30 years for each of the rape counts and 20 years for each of the lewd act counts.

After the verdicts, Smith was booked into the Logan County Jail where he is being held without bond.

The investigation began in January 2020, when the first victim, who was 13 years old at the time, claimed Smith violated her twice, according to a probable cause affidavit. The second victim, a 12-year-old, said Smith had intercourse with her.

Smith had been convicted of three felonies prior, including second-degree attempted burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and second-degree burglary and eluding police.

Multiple friends and family members of Smith said the system has failed “a good man.”

“They sent an innocent man to prison for 100 years with no evidence and the evidence that they do have proving it’s another false allegation they wouldn’t allow in court,” one of Smith’s supporters said.

They continued, “The(y) had security cameras in the home that could have proven his innocence but wouldn’t submit it in court,” the person said.

A family member says they will fight for the truth and will appeal the jury’s decision.

“You can ask anyone that knows Ray that these accusations are absolutely absurd!! I will fight for the Truth till the day I die alongside our family and his friends !!!!”

Smith will have a formal sentencing hearing on July 19.