A Hardeeville man was charged Thursday with sexual assault on a minor that took place about a decade ago, according to the Bluffton Police Department.
Tyrell Smith, 31, was charged with criminal sexual conduct on a minor, jail records show.
The assault took place about eight to 10 years ago, said Sgt. Bonifacio Perez from the Bluffton Police Department. The victim was between the ages of 11 and 14 at the time of the assault, which was reported in 2021 by the victim.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help can be found by calling Hopeful Horizons’ 24-hour Support Line at 843-770-1070.
When we publish mugshots
The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances:
In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested
In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety
In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims
Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that don’t meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot.
Sofia Sanchez is a breaking news reporter at The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She reports on crime and developing stories in Beaufort and its surrounding areas. Sofia is a Cuban-American reporter from Florida and graduated from Florida International University in 2020.
