Newark Man Arrested for Sexual Offenses against a Teen

Hockessin, DE – The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit at Troop 2 have concluded a two month investigation into the continual rape of a then 13 year old student by a choir director at an area middle school.

Preliminary investigation into the sexual allegations began in early September of 2015 after Delaware Crime Stoppers received information about the rape of a female student which had occurred at the H.B. DuPont Middle School, located at 753 Meeting House Road, Hockessin, in 2010. The Delaware State Police were then contacted and an investigation into the allegation began.

With the assistance and cooperation of the Red Clay School District Safety Administration, and through numerous interviews and other investigative means, it was learned that the female victim, who was thirteen years old at the time, had been involved in a sexual relationship with the former choir director of the school, Gary F. Smith, 43, of Newark. The relationship began in April of 2010 and lasted until August of 2012 and during that time period; offenses were committed numerous times on the grounds of the school.

Gary Smith was arrested this morning, Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at his residence without incident. He was then transported to Troop 2, Glasgow, where he was charged with 27 counts of Rape 3rd Degree, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1st Degree, and Sexual Solicitation of a Child under the Age of 18. Upon his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 11, he was committed to Howard Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $815,000.00 cash bond.

Questions regarding Mr. Smith’s status with H.B. DuPont Middle School should be directed to the Red Clay District Office.

Because of the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.

Anyone who believes they have additional information regarding Gary Smith is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, at 302-365-8567. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."