19-year-old charged with rape of minor
Published 9:47 pm Friday, February 20, 2015
By Justin Averette
The Selma Times-Journal
A 19-year-old Selma man has been charged with rape after a sexually transmitted disease diagnosis revealed he had an ongoing relationship with an underage girl.
KENDELL CONTRELL SMITH
On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Selma Police Department Special Victim’s Unit arrested Kendell Contrell Smith on probable cause of second-degree rape.
Lt. Curtis Muhannad said Smith is accused of having a two-year sexual relationship with a female less than 16 and older than 12.
Selma investigators became aware of the case after receiving a report from the Dallas County Department of Human Resources.
“The investigation into the case began when Mr. Kendell Smith tested positive for a STD and provided a list of names of partners,” Muhannad said. “The victim’s parents received a letter from DHR concerning the matter, which exposed the relationship.”
Smith was detained by detectives at his home and taken to the Selma Police Department. He was in the Dallas County Jail on Thursday on a $30,000 bond.
Second-degree rape is a Class B felony. If convicted, Smith could face between two and 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.
