Former Dayton WSP Officer Faces Additional Charges

DAYTON - Benjamin Smith, 33, was arrested outside his Dayton home on Jan. 23 and charged with rape of a child in the third degree, second-degree child molestation, and third-degree child molestation. After interviewing the victims, both known to Smith, court documents were amended to include four more charges.

The charges were amended because prosecutors now believe the crimes took place over a much longer period of time, beginning when the first victim was 11-years-old. Smith is now charges with rape of a child in the third degree, two counts of first-degree child molestation, two counts of second-degree child molestation, and two counts of third-degree child molestation.

Smith was employed as a correctional officer at the Washington State Penitentiary when the charges were filed. Prison officials say he has since resigned.

Smith is being held on $100,000 bail in Franklin County Jail. The trial has been scheduled for March 27-28.