PENDER COUNTY — Last week, a jury found a 33-year-old Pender County man guilty of multiple sex offenses.
Darryl Leroy Smith was held accountable for second-degree forcible rape, sexual battery, and assault on a female. Judge Ricardo Jense was sentenced to six to 12 years in prison.
A former United States Marine, Smith was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting the victim in June of 2022. Prosecutors presented during the trial evidence showcasing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse inflicted upon the victim and another woman.
The latter testified to the abuse and the defendant also took the stand in his own defense, cross-examined by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson.
“A friend of the defendant’s testified on his behalf, but admitted that she, too, suffered physical violence at the hands of the defendant,” according to a release from the district attorney’s office.
The jury deliberated for a half-hour before unanimously filing its verdict: guilty of all counts.
“The defendant thought he had all the power and control,” Donaldson said in a release, commending the survivor for coming forward. She called Smith’s violations “senseless acts of violence,” ones he conducted “behind closed doors in the comfort of his home.”
“The jury’s verdict showed the defendant that he is no longer in control,” she added. “He is no longer in his house; he is in the people’s house — the courthouse. … Sexual violence has no place in our community, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable to ensure the safety and dignity of all victims.”
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Sergeant Steve Clinard oversaw the investigation.
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