Hutchinson man guilty of Criminal Sexual Conduct

GLENCOE, MN—A McLeod County jury has found a Hutchinson man guilty of criminal sexual conduct.  Following a three day trial, the jury found 35-year-old Jacob James Smith guilty of one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, and one count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child.  According to the criminal complaint, evidence discovered during the investigation, and testimony provided at trial, Smith sexually abused a minor female under the age of 14 in August 2023 and electronically sent sexually explicit communications to the minor female in the days following the sexual abuse.  McLeod County Attorney Ryan Hansch commended the bravery the victim demonstrated during her  testimony during trial saying, “Testifying can be difficult, but survivors of sexual abuse should know their  voice is powerful and they are not alone. Hansch also commended the Hutchinson Police Department’s  thorough investigation.  Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2024, at the McLeod County Courthouse.