Stefon Smith, 43, of Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, with the first 30 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections, following a guilty verdict on multiple counts of child cruelty, battery, and false imprisonment. The Catoosa County jury reached the verdict after a two-day trial.

The charges stemmed from a May 10, 2023, incident where Smith, residing with the mother of his 9-month-old daughter and her two other children (ages 3 and 5), engaged in a violent outburst after complaining about the dinner preparation. According to evidence presented at trial, Smith’s rage escalated to breaking a glass at the dinner table, prompting the mother to retreat with her children to a locked bedroom. Smith forced his way into the room, allegedly throwing the 5-year-old boy by the collar. He then assaulted the children’s mother, striking her and pulling her hair. While she was holding the infant, Smith pushed her on top of the baby and held her down. He further prevented the mother and children from leaving the room before holding a firearm to his own head and demanding the mother shoot him. The following day, the mother reported the abuse to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office and took the children to T.C. Thompson’s Children’s Hospital for examination. Disturbingly, the 9-month-old daughter tested positive for cocaine exposure. Smith later admitted to being a cocaine user and exposing the child to the drug.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Deanna Reisman represented the State of Georgia, with Investigator Clay Thompson of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office leading the investigation. Victim Advocate Shelby Armstrong provided support to the victims throughout the prosecution.

District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller praised the collaborative effort of the trial team, law enforcement, and the jury. “The trial team and the jury did what needed to be done: they stood up for that family and for justice,” Fuller stated. “I want to thank the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Investigator Clay Thompson, and Judge Chris Arnt for making sure this violent abuser didn’t walk away with a slap on the wrist. In Tennessee, he might’ve gotten a talking to and probation. In Georgia, he got 50 years. If you’re thinking about bringing your violent crimes across the border—don’t. In Northwest Georgia, we don’t play.”