Prosecutor: 'This Is The Monster Parents Warn Their Children About'
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- An accused rapist who police say attacked two girls on their way to school will remain behind bars.
On Wednesday morning, the state asked for Kevin Smith to remain locked up until trial, saying he is a danger to society, accused of raping one of the young girls.
"The defendant did take a young girl who was on her way to school. She was 15-years-old, did drag her into his bright red SUV and rape her at knife point," said Prosecutor Kristine Bradley.
The prosecutor showed the judge nude photos of the alleged victim. Investigators said Smith snapped them on his phone after the attack.
In court, the judge heard two calls recorded from the jail. Smith's attorney said neither of them prove anything.
"I messed up real bad. I messed up real bad. They gave me 3 serious charges...facing life on all 3 of them," said Smith during a jail call.
Smith's defense attorney said the call proves nothing.
"There can be many interpretations as to what is being said. What I hear is someone telling their family member, 'I messed up, I'm arrested and this is what they're saying.' At no point does he say 'I committed these crimes,'" said Defense Attorney Vivian Gariboldi.
The prosecutor made an impassioned plea to the judge urging him to keep Smith locked up.
"This is the monster parents warn their children about. This is the stranger offering candy that pulls them into the white windowless van. This is the type of individual that cannot be released on the streets of Broward County because he is a danger to all of the citizens," said Prosecutor Kristine Bradley.
The judge later ruled Smith would be held with no bond through his trial since the court would be unable to do anything to protect the public if he was released from jail.
Back on March 1st, deputies arrested Smith after an exhaustive investigation and surveillance. Investigators said he was arrested near the scene of the two reported attacks in Lauderdale Lakes. Deputies believe he may have been looking for his next victim.
Investigators said Smith grabbed the 15-year-old as she walked to school the morning of February 24th forcing her into a car at knifepoint. After the assault, Smith allegedly told the victim to get out of the car and not look back.
BSO said he tried to do it again a second time on the morning of February 27th. That victim fought back and was able to run away and give deputies a description of the man and his car. With that information, investigators came up with a description of the suspect and his vehicle, leading to Smith's arrest near NW 41st Street and NW 31st Avenue.
Deputies say this is Smith's ninth arrest since 2000.
Authorities are looking for more possible victims. Anyone with information is urged to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
