The federal offense of “enticement of a minor” carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Smith expressed remorse during his court appearance, admitting to having induced a 15-year-old to engage in a sex act. “I knew it was wrong when I did it. I take full 100% responsibility for my actions and I am prepared for the consequences,” he said. As part of the plea deal, the original CSAM charges—possession and distribution, which carried potential sentences of up to 20 years—will be dropped.
The agreement also includes Smith’s forfeiture of more than 25 electronic devices connected to the investigation.
Smith had been under investigation since his arrest in June 2024, when FBI agents executed a search warrant at his apartment and allegedly discovered an SD card containing around 200 CSAM videos. According to the Justice Department’s complaint, Smith was accused of using the encrypted messaging app Telegram to send and receive explicit material involving minors, including images of children under 12 and videos of infants.
He is currently being held without bail at New York City’s Metropolitan Detention Center, a high-security facility known for housing high-profile detainees. His sentencing is scheduled for September 9. Smith’s attorneys had recently filed to reschedule a hearing, confirming his intention to plead guilty to the charge carrying the mandatory minimum sentence.