Published: November 05, 2009 10:29 pm      

Man accused of exposing himself in window

Court records allege man took photos of neighbor, kids

A 57-year-old Jeffersonville man is being held in the Michael L. Becher Adult Corrections Facility after reportedly exposing himself to passerbys on Halloween night.

Clark County Prosecutor Steve Stewart said Terry Jay Smith, who lives on the 200 block of Jackson Street, was standing in front of his window with the lights on wearing only a “g-string.”

Prosecutors allege that this was more than just a bad Halloween costume.

Smith has been charged with similar offenses twice within the last six months. Both cases are pending.

“Our intent is to keep him in jail as long as possible,” Stewart said. “We will be seeking to have his bond revoked on his first case.”

In May, neighbors called to report Smith was standing in front of the window of his house naked and masturbating. While investigating the allegations, police went inside Smith’s house and reportedly saw two pairs of binoculars openly visible in his bedroom. He also had a camera next to his window.

According to a police report, Smith showed officers images on his camera. Police say he had taken numerous pictures of the woman that lives next door and her 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. Many of the pictures reportedly showed his neighbors going about their regular activities, such as mowing or playing outside. He reportedly admitted his neighbors probably did not know he had taken the pictures.

Smith later reportedly told police that he loved his neighbor and planned to marry her.

Smith told police he needed mental help. He was taken to Lifespring for an evaluation but was later released. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of public indecency.

Police were again called to the house in August on similar allegations. That time, police reportedly witnessed Smith standing naked in his house.

Smith was charged that time with class D felony dissimilation of matter harmful to minors, a class D felony, and misdemeanor offenses of exhibition of obscene matter, obscene performance and indecent exposure.

The neighbors declined to speak about what has happened due to concerns it could jeopardize the case. However, one neighbor said the family is “horrified” and have been living in fear.

Smith’s attorney, Jeff Branstetter, could not be reached late Thursday afternoon.

After the Halloween incident, Smith faces new charges of class D felony dissimilation of matter harmful to minors and misdemeanor offenses of exhibition of obscene matter, obscene performance.

He is being held in jail on $25,000 cash only bond pending a hearing in Clark County Superior Court No. 3 on Tuesday.