Foster Parent Accused of Having Sex With Teen

A Spartanburg foster parent has been arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor — Second Degree.

Jesse Lewis Smith Jr., 44, of Spartanburg is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl placed in his care by the Department of Social Services. 

According to Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, once the victim disclosed the relationship that had been occurring between she and Smith, Smith's wife, notified the victim's DSS caseworker and asked the Smith to move out of their marital home.

DSS immediately removed the victim from suspect’s home and placed her with another foster family in another county while this investigation was conducted.

The Laurens County DSS office was assigned to look into the allegation to avoid any conflict of interest, and that office referred the case to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. 

Deputies said that Smith confessed to the incident while being interviewed by an investigator with the Special Victims Unit. Smith told investigator he sent the victim inappropriate text messages and that he also had sex with her. 

Smith is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on no bond.