Hinds County sexual predator gets 38 years, akin to a life sentence at his age

Last updated: July 9, 2021

Wayne Smith, a 74-year-old man from Terry, Mississippi, was sentenced to 38 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual crimes against a 7-year-old girl.

Smith was convicted of one count of sexual battery, for which he received 10 years suspended and 20 to serve, and two counts of gratification of lust, for which he received eight years.

“Age does not matter. If predators abuse children we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Jody Owens said in a statement. “Hopefully, Mr. Smith’s sentence sends a clear message that we will protect children in Hinds County.”

The abuse took place between January and May of 2019.

With 10 years of his sentence suspended, Mississippi Department of Corrections shows his tentative release date of May 8, 2047, when Smith will be 100 years old.