Manassas Man Claims Sex Acts Part of Religion
Updated: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002 - 6:02 PM
MANASSAS, Va. - A Satanist charged with raping a child is claiming that the sex acts are part of his religion, according to the man's lawyer.
Russell J. Smith, 37, of Woodbridge, a former officer at the Prince William jail, was arrested Sept. 4 in Oregon. Smith left Virginia with his 12-year-old daughter, Tara Sweiger-Smith, a few days before charges were filed against him in August.
Smith offered no evidence or argument at his preliminary hearing Monday. But his attorney, Myron Berman, said before the hearing that his client claims the sex acts were part of his religion.
Police who searched Smith's home in August found in the laundry room an altar and a box that contained a goat's skull and a child's bra and underpants.
Smith had initially been charged with rape and with forcible sodomy of a child, but the sodomy charge was amended Monday to a charge of rape.
Smith's case was sent to a grand jury, which will take up the case next month.
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Updated: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002 - 6:02 PM
MANASSAS, Va. - A Satanist charged with raping a child is claiming that the sex acts are part of his religion, according to the man's lawyer.
Russell J. Smith, 37, of Woodbridge, a former officer at the Prince William jail, was arrested Sept. 4 in Oregon. Smith left Virginia with his 12-year-old daughter, Tara Sweiger-Smith, a few days before charges were filed against him in August.
Smith offered no evidence or argument at his preliminary hearing Monday. But his attorney, Myron Berman, said before the hearing that his client claims the sex acts were part of his religion.
Police who searched Smith's home in August found in the laundry room an altar and a box that contained a goat's skull and a child's bra and underpants.
Smith had initially been charged with rape and with forcible sodomy of a child, but the sodomy charge was amended Monday to a charge of rape.
Smith's case was sent to a grand jury, which will take up the case next month.
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Comment