Virginia Man Convicted of Assaulting Two Girls in Lancaster County Over 20 Years Ago

Jacob Lee Smyth, 45, found guilty on multiple charges related to incidents beginning in 2004.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A jury has convicted a 45-year-old Virginia man, Jacob Lee Smyth, of assaulting two girls in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania over 20 years ago. Smyth was found guilty on charges including unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault, and corruption of minors for incidents that occurred at two different homes beginning in 2004.

Why it matters

This case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, even decades later. The convictions may provide a sense of justice and closure for the victims, while also sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.

The details

According to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office, Smyth assaulted the two victims, now 30 and 26 years old, at separate homes in Lancaster County when they were between 8-12 and 12-13 years old, respectively. One victim testified that Smyth assaulted her at a home on Little Britain Church Road, while the other said Smyth came home drunk and assaulted her while she slept on the floor of a home on Scheller Road in Providence Township.

  • The incidents began around 2004.

The players

Jacob Lee Smyth

A 45-year-old Virginia man convicted of assaulting two girls in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania over 20 years ago.

Heather Adams

The Lancaster County District Attorney whose office prosecuted the case against Smyth.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of reporting and prosecuting sexual crimes against children, even if they occurred decades in the past. The convictions demonstrate that perpetrators can still be held accountable, providing a measure of justice for the victims and sending a strong message that such abuses will not be tolerated.