My name is Cassey Smith and I live in Anderson, SC. On November 5th my biological “father” (Ricky Wayne Smith) pled guilty to 1 count CSC 2nd w/minor, 2 counts CSC 3rd w/mionor, and 4 counts incest. He was sentenced to 20yrs by Judge Sprouse in Anderson County.

I am the victim. Over half of my life has been stolen away from me…nearly 25yrs. I suffered innumerable acts of sexual, physical, emotional, and mental assault by his hand…the one person who was supposed to protect me, did not. It isn’t just me that he hurt, but my 4 boys as well. I became pregnant and gave birth to them as a result of his abuse upon me. I had 1 abortion also…so there would have been 5 children involved. I received an email yesterday morning, 12-5-18, from the solicitor on the case, Catherine Wyse, asking me to meet with her because she needed to discuss something with me. I met with her yesterday afternoon. She told me that Judge Sprouse is reducing the sentence to 11yrs. I do not know the reasoning behind this. I am writing you because I need help in stopping this sentence change. My abuser should not be allowed the privilege of a sentence reduction. He began hurting me when I was 12 yrs old, and the abuse lasted until I was 36yrs old. I am 38 now. I found my courage and my voice a year and a half ago when I knew….I knew my life and my boys lives was in immediate danger. I had lived scared and quiet for so long. I never told anyone. I know he cannot be allowed to get out of prison anytime soon. He will most definitely come after me and my boys. I need help in protecting not only myself, but my boys as well. My boys have severe intellectual disabilities…one is in a wheelchair. They can’t help themselves, and I am only one person. I have never asked for help before, but I am asking for it now. Help protect my family, as well our community as a whole.

Sincerely,

Cassey Smith