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Fri, Jul 17, 2026 · 0 stories · Confirmed · Subscribe
Politics

National Guard Sergeant Gets 14 Years For Child Exploitation Crimes

Sgt. Jacob R. Smith, a 25-year-old network specialist, pleaded guilty at his Fort Knox court-martial this month.

  • Five victims, both male and female, were 14 and 15 years old.
  • Mentor, Ohio police opened the case in February 2025, before Army CID joined.
  • Sentence adds dishonorable discharge, rank reduced to E-1, forfeits all pay.

Why it matters: An institution that says 'no place in our ranks' still needed outside police to catch this.

DVIDS - Army release on Sgt. Jacob R. Smith court-martial ↗ · Jul 16, 20267/16/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check