From WRIL -
On Thursday February 16, 2023, an arrest warrant taken out by Kentucky State Police Detective Jake Middleton was served by Middlesboro Officer Hunter Marcum on 52-year-old James Lee Smith of Middlesboro.
In the complain warrant, Detective Middleton states that Smith is charged with two counts of Rape - 1st degree for incidents allegedly occurring from May 1, 2022 to July 13, 2022 and January 1, 2023 through January 31, 2023 when he engaged in sexual intercourse with a juvenile. The child was 15 in 2022 and 16 in 2023.
The detective also charged Smith with two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor for incidents occurring from May 1, 2022 to July 13, 2022 and then November 25, 2022 through February 9, 2023 when he is alleged to have knowingly induced, assisted, or caused a minor to engage in using and illegal controlled substance.
Smith's fifth charge is for Sexual Abuse - 1st degree after allegedly subjecting the15-year-old by forcible compulsion to an incident of a sexual nature.
James Lee Smith was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with (2) two counts of Rape - 1st degree, Sexual Abuse - 1st degree, and (2) two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor - 2nd degree.