A Kinzers man convicted by jury in September of rape of a child and seven additional sexual offense charges stemming from conduct that occurred between 2010 and 2015 was sentenced Friday in Lancaster County Court.

Victor Smith, 43 of the 3500 block of Lincoln Highway East, will serve 16 to 35 years in state prison after Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker ordered sentence.

Smith must register as a lifetime sexual offender and follow all requirements laid forth by Megan’s Law. He was found to be a sexually violent predator during the hearing.

“The testimony revealed the defendant had been sexually assaulting kids for nearly 20 years before finally being arrested,” prosecuting Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa said. “It took a 15-year-old having bad nightmares who had the strength to come forward which ultimately led to the discovery of other victims and to the defendant finally being held accountable for these horrendous crimes.”

Defense counsel argued during the sentencing proceeding that Smith was willing to do what he needed in getting treatment in prison. ADA Ponessa brought up the fact that prison calls showed the defendant saying he wanted to make bail pre-sentencing, and that he had a “plan” in place to flee once he made bail.

ADA Ponessa pointed out the prosecution had to raise the defendant’s bail to $8 million so he could not run.

A jury found Smith guilty of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors – all felonies – following four hours of deliberation and a three-day trial. He was also found guilty of misdemeanors in one count of corruption of minors and two counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13.

Evidence during the trial showed that the abuse came out when one of the victims started having nightmares about the incidents.

Pennsylvania State Police received an allegation of sexual abuse and spoke with the victim in Sept. 2020.

Two additional victims also came forward.  The evidence reflected the abuse towards two of the victims and the defendant is currently pending charges against the third victim in Smyrna, Del.

Ponessa pointed out that sexual abuse crimes are unique in that details can come out years later. She stated the victims didn’t have any motive to lie, there is no “textbook” in how a victim should respond to sexual abuse and praised the courage of the victims for testifying in a room full of strangers.

Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Kory Wardrop filed charges, testified, and attended the entirety of trial.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.