Delaware choir director charged with child sex abuse
Gary Smith is accused of repeatedly raping a female student. (photo courtesy Delaware State Police)
Delaware State Police have charged a middle-school choir director with repeatedly raping a female student over a period of more than two years, starting when she was 13 years old.
Authorities say 43-year-old Gary F. Smith was arrested Tuesday at his home after a two-month investigation prompted by a Crime Stoppers tip.
Police say Smith engaged in sex acts with a student at H.B. DuPont school from April 2010 until August 2012. Smith is charged with 27 counts of rape, continuous sexual abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust, and sexual solicitation of a child. He is being held in lieu of $815,000 cash bond.
It was not immediately clear whether Smith, who was placed on leave Sept. 25, has an attorney.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Jasdomin Santana champions diversity in children's literature by incorporating Dominican culture into her storytelling.
14 hours ago
Listen 1:18
White House forum showcases federal dollars working in Delaware
President Biden addressed the Delaware delegation at the beginning of the event in what White House personnel said was a surprise visit.
3 days ago
Listen 2:08
Cherry Blossom Festival, Philadanco and ‘Hadestown’ in this week’s ‘Things To Do’
April 11–14: Chef Conference in Philly, Vicki Lawrence in N.J. and “Deathtrap” in Del. are among the weekend highlights.
6 days ago
Listen 4:49