Benjamin Russell Smith, 49, of Gillsville remains in the Hall County Jail with no bond following his arrest in a child sexual assault investigation. Smith faces charges of child molestation, aggravated child molestation and incest.
Authorities were first alerted to the crimes on July 15, when the victim disclosed the assaults to a relative and the relative contacted law enforcement.
Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Violent Crimes Unit determined in their investigation that Smith had sexually abused a juvenile male between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2024 at a residence on Peach Mountain Circle in Gainesville. The investigation determined Smith had engaged in various sexual acts with the victim, who was under the age of 16. The victim lived with Smith at the residence at the time.
Investigators obtained warrants for Smith’s arrest on Oct. 9. HCSO Warrant Service Unit deputies arrested Smith at a residence in Clarkesville on Monday, Nov. 2 and transported him to the Hall County Jail.