DA Ron Freitas Announces Nearly 50-Year-to-Life Sentence for Serial Child Sexual Assault Defendant

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that 61-year-old Rodney Dartanyon Alexis Smith was sentenced on July 20, 2026, to 49 years and 8 months to Life in state prison. The Honorable Richard Mallett handed down the sentence after a jury found Smith guilty of all charged felony counts, including forcible rape, oral copulation of a minor, sexual penetration by force, and multiple counts of lewd acts with a child under 14.

The jury also found true special allegations that Smith committed these offenses against more than one victim. During the sentencing hearing, both victims courageously delivered victim impact statements, with one appearing from out of state via Zoom, to detail the abuse they suffered.

The case began in 2018 when a 14-year-old girl reported to the Stockton Police Department that Smith had repeatedly sexually and physically abused her since elementary school. Investigators soon learned that her 16-year-old sister had also endured similar abuse starting in junior high school. During the trial, two additional women came forward to testify about unwanted sexual advances Smith made toward them years prior when they were just 12 and 16 years old. Smith chose to represent himself during the proceedings.

"This lengthy prison sentence ensures that a dangerous predator will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he can never harm another child," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "I am incredibly proud of the brave victims who stood up, faced this defendant, and spoke their truth in court. Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Stockton Police Department and the exceptional work of our prosecution and advocate teams, we have secured definitive justice for these families."

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office extends its deep gratitude to Detective Fernando Romero of the Stockton Police Department, who inherited the case after years of delays and meticulously ensured it was trial-ready. The office also thanks Victim Advocates Hope Dunsing and Grace Lambdin for their compassionate support of the victims throughout this long legal ordeal.

The successful prosecution was led by Deputy District Attorney Elaine Casillas.