A New York truck driver who was arrested last September after an alleged cross-state kidnapping in Stuart recently gave an Alford Plea and was sentenced in Adair County.

An Alford Plea is when a defendant asserts their innocence but admits that the prosecution has enough evidence to prove they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Thirty-two year-old James Scott Smith Jr. gave the written plea and was convicted domestic abuse assault impeding airflow causing injury, a class D felony, first degree harassment, and carrying weapons, both aggravated misdemeanors. He was sentenced to up to nine years in prison for the consecutive sentences, which were all suspended for him to serve probation at least five years probation. Fines were suspended due to Smith’s current financial situation, though he must pay any probation administration fees, victim restitution, surcharges, and up to $6,000 in Category II restitution.

Charges of first degree kidnapping, a class A felony, and second degree sexual abuse, a class B felony were dismissed. The charges stem from an August 31, 2019 incident in which Stuart police officers were dispatched to a 911 call from a woman at Casey’s General Store, who informed them she was kidnapped from a Pennsylvania truck stop in mid-July, and claimed she was assaulted on several occasions.