Hamilton County man sentenced to 50 years for domestic violence, child abuse
Stefon Smith
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Hamilton County man has been sentenced to 50 years on domestic violence and child abuse charges.
On May 11, 2023, the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) launched an investigation into Stefon Smith after he committed acts of domestic violence the previous day.
Evidence presented at trial revealed Smith shared a home with the mother of his 9-month-old daughter, along with her 3-year-old and 5-year-old son from a previous marriage.
On May 10, 2023, Smith complained to the mother about his dissatisfaction of the dinner prepared that evening.
He began verbally abusing the family, and even broke glass at the dinner table.
The mother and the children left the table, and proceeded to lock themselves in a bedroom.
From the room, Smith was asked to leave the residence.
According to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office, he somehow forced his way into the bedroom.
Smith then picked the 5-year-old up by the collar of his shirt and threw him.
He also assaulted the mother by striking her and pulling her hair.
While the mother was holding the 9-month-old, Smith pushed her down on top of the child and held her down on top of the baby.
He refused to let anyone leave the room, then held a gun to his head, demanding the mother to shoot him.
Smith left the home the next day, and the mother reported the altercations to CCSO.
The children were taken to a local hospital for examination.
During the examination, the baby tested positive for cocaine.
Smith later admitted to investigators that he was a user and exposed the child to cocaine.
He was ultimately found guilty of the following charges:
- Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (2 counts)
- Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree
- Two counts of Cruelty to Children
in the Third Degree, False Imprisonment, and Family Violence Battery.
Smith was sentenced to 50 years, with the first 30 to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
