Almost seven years ago, he was the victim of a violent crime but last week, Patrick Morgan Smith was in Davie Superior Court to answer to charges of rape of a child, sexual offense with a child and taking indecent liberties with a child.

In September 2011, Smith was targeted for a robbery of drugs and money at his home, and during the attempted robbery, he and his brother were shot. The men accused were ultimately arrested and convicted.

On April 9, Smith found himself on the other side of the courtroom.

According to Assistant DA Rob Taylor, Smith, 30, of Mocksville, was close friends with a young girl’s family. About three years ago, a family member of the girl, who was around 11-years-old at the time, suspected there was something going on between Smith and the girl. Smith was often at the home where the girl lived, Taylor said.

A check of the girl’s cell phone revealed text messages indicative of an illicit relationship between the two. The girl was initially interviewed at the Dragonfly House, where she admitted to only some physical interaction, but Taylor said further into the investigation, she finally changed her story and admitted to more.

“She really didn’t want to do anything but he talked her into it. However, she was not forced,” Taylor said.

The charges of rape of a child and sexual offense with a child were both dismissed. Smith was charged with five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, with three of those being charged through bills of information. On the first charge, Judge Marty McGee sentenced Smith to 16 to 29 months with credit for three days he was in jail. He must abide by a permanent no contact order with the victim and register as a sex offender for 30 years. He was ordered to pay an attorney fee of $3,135.

On the second charge, Smith was sentenced to 16 to 29 months at the expiration of the previous sentence and ordered to pay court costs.

On the last three charges of taking indecent liberties with a child, Smith received active sentences of 16 to 29 months, 14 to 26 months, and 16 to 29 months, all at the expiration of each other and the previous sentences. He must pay court costs.