Former MTV reality star Connor Smith has been arrested after 13 months on the run from authorities who launched a nationwide manhunt.
The 33-year-old was a cast member in Season 3. MTV dating show “Are you?” In 2015, he was wanted on three felonies, including traveling to meet a minor for sexual contact and grooming and disseminating harmful material.
In February 2023, a warrant was issued for Smith in Lake County, Illinois. He was taken into custody at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office located at 15163 George Blvd.Thursday in Clearwater, Fla., according to an indictment report published in Office website.
According to reports, Smith was booked into the Pinellas County Jail at 2:01 p.m. local time.
Former MTV reality star Connor Smith has been arrested after being on the run for more than a year. (Cook County Sheriff’s Office/MTV Reality YouTube)
According to an affidavit obtained by People, Smith did not have any weapons on him at the time of his arrest. The affidavit further stated that Smith did not appear to be under the influence of drugs and had no signs of mental health issues.
Nationwide manhunt underway for former MTV star accused of attempting to have sexual relations with minor
Last February, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department issued a media release saying Smith had been corresponding with a female undercover agent who pretended to be under 15 years old.
“Smith sent the ‘girl’ sexually explicit images and videos of himself. Smith then arranged to meet the ‘girl’ for sexual contact,” the statement said.
According to the sheriff’s department, Smith had been in contact with the girl for several weeks.
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On February 9, 2023, Smith drove to another location pretending to be meeting a “girl.” Detectives moved to arrest him, but he “fled in a vehicle.”
Smith was wanted on three felonies, including traveling to meet a minor for sexual contact and grooming and disseminating harmful material. (Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
A nationwide arrest warrant was subsequently filed for Smith, and a Lake County judge set bond on the warrant at $1 million.
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Smith had previously told authorities he intended to turn himself in, but he did not do so.
Smith was previously accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor in 2021. arrested He was charged with rape, sexual assault and two counts of criminal confinement, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
The charges were dropped in September 2022, according to the Northwest Indiana Times.
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smith’s lawyer They said at the time: “We are pleased with the outcome and pleased to have vindicated our client on these horrific false charges.”
Additionally, lawyer Mariam Afshar Stewart told the media: “Unfortunately, despite the dismissal, these types of accusations have far-reaching consequences. … The dismissal is a step in the right direction, but Mr. Smith There is a problem,” he said. There is a long road ahead to repair the damage caused by these false claims. ”
Fox News Digital’s Caroline Thayer contributed to this report.
