Conway man set for trial in Sevier County next month on stalking offense

Submitted by Patrick Massey of KDQN.net

The second of two former Horatio educators is scheduled for a jury trial next month on a 2021 charge of attempted internet stalking of a child.

33-year-old Ryan Smith, currently of Conway but formerly of Horatio, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Sept. 8. If he maintains his not-guilty plea over the internet stalking offense, a jury trial will be held the following week.

Smith was a basketball coach for Horatio before leaving the district in 2016. In addition to the Sevier County charge, Smith is also facing 35 counts of possession of child pornography in Faulkner County. Investigators there allege the illicit material was found on Smith’s phone after he dropped it off for repairs.

The charge in Sevier County involves Smith’s alleged intent to organize a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl in 2020. A second defendant in the case, 41-year-old Lori Marshall of Lockesburg, entered a guilty plea to a similar charge this past June. Marshall was sentenced to four years of probation in addition to a $1,500 court fine. She is also required to register as sex offender

Attempted internet stalking of a child involves the pursuit of online communications with a child aged 15 or younger with intent to engage in sexual activity.

Smith was released last year after posting a $50,0000 bond.