Smitherman sentenced to 20 years for child abuse - The Clanton Advertiser | The Clanton Advertiser

Gary Smitherman of Clanton, 59, was given the max sentence of 20 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections at his sentencing on Aug. 30.
,,,

Smitherman was convicted of one count of sexual abuse of a child under 12 on Aug. 3, a Class B felony.

“We are very happy with the sentence and glad this victim and her family can close this chapter and begin moving forward knowing this child predator will be staring at a prison cell for a long time,” said C.J. Robinson, the chief deputy district attorney for the 19th Circuit Judicial Office.

According to Robinson, trial testimony indicated that Smitherman was over the children’s ministry program at Friendship Baptist Church in Clanton and was tutoring a young female at his home with whom he had contact with through his position at the time with the church.

Smitherman sentenced to 20 years for child abuse - The Clanton Advertiser | The Clanton Advertiser