SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A woman has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in connection with the sexual abuse and kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl.
Melodie A. Smith, 19, entered guilty pleas on Friday to sex abuse of a child, a second-degree felony, and attempted kidnapping, a third-degree felony. A 3rd District Court hearing was held before Judge Robin Reese.Smith had originally been charged with child kidnapping and child rape, both first-degree felonies, but prosecutors reduced the charges in exchange for her plea. Reese could order her to spend up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22.
Smith's husband, William Fredericks Smith III, 20, is scheduled for trial Jan. 5 on charges of child kidnapping and four counts of child rape, all first-degree felonies.
During a preliminary hearing in August, the girl testified about sexual encounters with the Smiths and eventually leaving town with them on April 3, which resulted in the couple's arrest in Price.
The girl, now 14, testified that she lied to her mother about the relationship with William Smith and said she told the Smiths that she wanted to leave town with them.
The girl said William Smith gave her his phone number when they met at a restaurant on March 5, 1998, but she ran into him the next day while walking, and he offered to give her a ride. From then on, she talked with him on the phone and visited him at his house nearly every day until the end of March.
She testified that William Smith had sex with her on four occasions and that Melodie Smith participated as well during one of the encounters, at the girl's suggestion.