Former MTV reality star Connor Smith arrested on grooming charges after year-long manhunt

Previous MTV reality star Connor Smith has been arrested following investing 13 months on the run, evading authorities who introduced a nationwide manhunt for him.

The 33-year-old, who was a forged member on year a few of MTV’s relationship present “Are You The One particular?” in 2015, was wanted on a few felony expenses, which includes traveling to meet a insignificant for a sexual come upon, grooming and disseminating dangerous product. 

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In February 2023, a warrant for Smith was issued in Lake County, Illinois. He was taken into custody by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Business office at 15163 George Blvd. in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, according to a charge report posted on the office’s website.

Smith was booked into the Pinellas County Jail that exact working day at 2:01 p.m. local time, for each the report.

According to an affidavit attained by Individuals journal, Smith did not have any weapons on him at the time of his arrest. The affidavit further mentioned that Smith did not appear to be beneath the influence of medications and there ended up no indicators of mental health concerns.

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NATIONWIDE MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR Previous MTV STAR WHO ALLEGEDLY Attempted TO HAVE SEXUAL Encounter WITH Slight

Past February, the Lake County Sheriff’s Section issued a media launch, which described Smith as obtaining corresponded with a female undercover detective who was pretending to be beneath the age of 15.

In accordance to the release, “Smith despatched ‘the child’ sexually specific photographs and films of himself. Smith then manufactured preparations to satisfy the ‘girl’ for a sexual experience.”

The Sheriff’s department suggests Smith had been in communication with “the girl” for many months.

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On Feb. 9, 2023, under the pretense he was meeting the “girl,” Smith drove to an alternate site. Detectives moved in to apprehend him, nevertheless he was capable to “escape and fled in his car.”

A nationwide arrest warrant was then filed for Smith, with a Lake County Choose location bond on the warrant at $1 million.

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Smith earlier advised authorities that he would surrender himself to them, but he failed to do so.

Smith experienced previously been accused of inappropriate actions to a minimal in 2021. He was arrested and charged with rape, sexual battery and two counts of criminal confinement, according to courtroom documents acquired by Us Weekly. 

According to The Times of Northwest Indiana, the fees were being dropped in Sept. 2022. 

An attorney for Smith stated at the time that they ended up “pleased with the outcome and glad we ended up capable to vindicate our client of these terrible fake prices.”

On top of that, attorney Maryam Afshar-Stewart explained to the media, “Unfortunately, these kind of accusations, even with a dismissal, have implications that are much-reaching. . . . While a dismissal is a phase in the correct direction, Mr. Smith has a very long street in advance to repair the injury that has been triggered by these bogus allegations.”

Fox News Digital’s Caroline Thayer contributed to this report.

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Fox News agency contributed to this report, printed by ORDO News editors.

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