24th Judicial Circuit – Lawrence County, Kentucky | February 18, 2026
Smith was found guilty of two felony charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor
LOUISA, KY – Following a jury trial in Lawrence County, Caleb K. Smith was found guilty of two felony charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The verdict was delivered following a trial led by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 24th Judicial Circuit. The jury returned guilty verdicts on the following counts:
• Use of a Minor Under 16 in a Sexual Performance (Class B Felony)
• Distribution of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor (Class D Felony)
The jury recommended a sentence of ten years on the first count and one year on the second count. The jury further recommended that those sentences be served concurrently, for a total recommended sentence of 10 years in the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
The Commonwealth was represented at trial by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David Blankenship and Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Runyon.
“The protection of our children remains a vital mission of this office,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Runyon. “We are grateful to the jury for their careful deliberation and for ensuring that individuals who exploit minors are held accountable for their actions.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David Blankenship added, “This conviction is a testament to the hard work and seamless collaboration between the Kentucky State Police, the Ashland Police Department, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. We remain committed to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
A formal sentencing hearing will be held in Lawrence Circuit Court on April 9, 2026.
The case was the result of a collaborative investigation involving Detective David Boarman of the Kentucky State Police, Captain Adam Daniels of the Ashland Police Department, and Lawrence County Sheriff Chuck Jackson.
