‘Disgusting crimes': Former DPS trooper sentenced to 14 years in prison for child sex abuse

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Andrew Smith, who was a former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and accused of child sex abuse, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, according to a press release from Attorney General Ken Paxton. On May 1, he pleaded guilty to one count of indecency with a child.

In January 2021, a 14-year-old victim reported Smith had committed “multiple acts of Indecency with a Child by contact,” the release stated. 

Per the release, Smith was employed as a state trooper with DPS during the abuse and resigned after it was reported by the victim. 

The victim, who is now 18-years-old, testified at court and described the numerous acts of child abuse committed by Smith when she was under the age of 14, said the release. 

“The sexual abuse of a child is one of the most tragic and disgusting crimes, and those responsible for such heinous acts will be punished to the full extent of the law,” said Paxton. 

Paxton thanked law enforcement partners who made sure justice was secured. “Thank you to all our law enforcement partners who worked to ensure that justice was secured,” said Paxton. 

According to the release, this case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Erika Hime and Elizabeth Mireles with the AG office, at the invitation of Kleberg County District Attorney John Hubert.