Palm Coast man sentenced to 30 years for felony child sex charges, police say


Following his release, Gregory Smith will be mandated to register as a lifetime sexual predator.

BUNNELL, Fla — In a significant legal development, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported on Thursday that a man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the sexual battery of a minor.

The individual in question, 45-year-old Gregory Smith, faced a series of severe charges. He was convicted on two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a victim aged 12 to 16, five counts of sexual battery on a minor aged 12 to 18 by a family member, and lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under the age of 12.

The investigation began when a victim and their mother approached authorities on June 19, 2025. They reported that after confronting Smith, he confessed to the allegations of sexual abuse. The family revealed that the abuse had been occurring “several times a week over two to three years.”

Once law enforcement secured a warrant for his arrest, Smith corroborated these allegations during interviews with detectives.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commented on the case, stating, “Smith realized that the men and women of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office built an ironclad case and would give no mercy to a predator who took the innocence away and raped a child for years. He faced life behind bars had he been convicted by a jury, so this pervert took the only option he had. Smith isn’t just a pervert; he is a monster who knew the evil of his actions before he committed them.”

You May Also Like
How haircare legend John Paul DeJoria found his American dream

How Haircare Icon John Paul DeJoria Built His American Dream

Through July 4, The Post, in partnership with the Milken Center for…
Three hikers die at Grand Canyon in heat-related illnesses during rising temperatures

Rising Heat Turns Deadly at Grand Canyon as Three Hikers Die From Heat-Related Illnesses

Three hikers have died in the Grand Canyon from suspected heat-related illnesses…
Uber carrying Argentina soccer fans hit in shootings in Kansas City, Missouri that left 1 man dead

Uber Carrying Argentina Soccer Fans Struck by Gunfire in Kansas City Shooting That Killed One

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Uber driver transporting supporters of Argentina’s soccer…

State of Emergency Declared in Los Angeles as Warehouse Fire Sends Hazardous Smoke Across City

Los Angeles is preparing to declare a state of emergency as a…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

South Carolina Fitness Trainer Found Dead After Warning Friend She Feared for Her Life

Authorities confirmed Friday that human remains discovered earlier this week in Lexington…
North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute

North Carolina Furniture Manufacturer Accused of Killing Business Partner Hours After Contract Dispute Loss

A North Carolina furniture maker is facing allegations that he killed his…
Homeland Security Clocks Anti-Ice NJ Dems Mad That DHS Denied Access to Delaney Hall With Reality

DHS Fires Back at New Jersey Democrats Over Denied Access to Delaney Hall ICE Facility

The familiar frustration of shooing away gnats at a summer barbecue offers…

Ozempic and Wegovy Linked to Stronger Bones in Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Study Suggests

People with type 2 diabetes who use Ozempic or Wegovy may be…
2026 Juneteenth events in Chicago area: Evanston 'Opal's Walk for Freedom' march honors Opal Lee, grandmother of Juneteenth

Chicago Juneteenth 2026: Evanston’s Opal’s Walk for Freedom Honors Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — People gathered in Evanston on Thursday to mark…
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni slams Trump's claim she 'begged' for a photo with him, diplomat cancels US trip

Giorgia Meloni Fires Back at Trump’s Photo Claim as Italian Diplomat Cancels US Trip

ROME — Italy’s government rallied behind Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday, sharply…

Trump Escalates Feud With Giorgia Meloni After Italian PM Slams His ‘Made Up’ Claims

By Saturday, Trump had escalated the exchange, renewing his criticism of Meloni…
Luigi Mangione overruled his own lawyers with a 'change of heart' on psych defense, legal expert says

Luigi Mangione Overruled Lawyers After Change of Heart on Psychiatric Defense, Legal Expert Says

Luigi Mangione has dropped plans to pursue a psychiatric defense in the…