Former Marine found guilty of rape, sexual battery

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man has been convicted and sentenced for a 2022 rape and sexual assault.

On Thursday, a Pender County jury found 33-year-old Darryl Leroy Smith guilty of Second-Degree Forcible Rape, Sexual Battery and Assault on a Female.

During the course of the trial, the State presented evidence of Smith’s history of physical, sexual and emotional abuse against the victim and another woman.

Smith, a former U.S. Marine, took the stand and testified in his own defense.

According to the district attorney’s office, a friend of the defendant’s testified on his behalf, but admitted that she, too, suffered physical violence at the hands of the defendant

After less than a half hour of deliberations, the jury reached a unanimous verdict of guilty on all counts.

Smith was sentenced to 6-to-12 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson spoke following the verdict and sentence, saying, “The defendant thought he had all the power and control. He committed these senseless acts of violence behind closed doors in the comfort of his home. Today’s verdict is a testament to the bravery of the survivor who came forward and the tireless work of our legal team to
seek justice. Sexual violence has no place in our community.”