SPOKANE, Wash – The former editor of the Spokesman-Review newspaper who later taught journalism at the University of Idaho is changing his plea and preparing for sentencing in his child pornography case.
The story was first reported Friday by the very newspaper he once led.
Steven Smith was arrested in 2023 and charged with several counts of possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
He’s been in the Spokane County jail ever since.
According to the affidavit of probable cause used to charge him, investigators were looking into the videos and pictures sent by minors on Instagram in exchange for money Smith sent through CashApp.
The videos were from girls ages 10, 11 and 14.
Court records show that when investigators knocked on Smith’s door, they asked if he knew why they were there.
“Yes, it’s probably from what I have been downloading,” Smith replied.
Investigators say Smith was actively chatting with young girls online when they knocked on his door.
Smith initially pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled to go on trial next month.
Now, court records show a plea hearing scheduled for Tuesday and a sentencing hearing set for January.
The Spokesman-Review reported Friday that a judicial assistant said the sentencing will also happen Tuesday. 4 News Now is trying to independently confirm that information.
Smith, 74, was the executive editor of the Spokesman-Review from 2002-2008.
He went on to work as a clinical associate professor of journalism and mass media at the University of Idaho.
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