Colfax man sentenced on reduced charges

Elijah Smith, 20, received a maximum sentence of one year in jail for communicating with a minor for immoral purposes after pleading guilty to a lesser felony. Initially charged with first-degree child molestation, Smith denied the allegations but accepted a plea deal last month. The sentencing hearing featured emotional testimonies from the victim's family, who described the deep and lasting trauma resulting from Smith's actions. Judge Rodger Sandberg characterized the sentence as lenient, noting that Smith could have faced five to seven additional years if convicted of multiple charges at trial. Smith expressed his remorse during the hearing, stating he never meant for the incident to occur.

The victim's family supported the plea deal and requested the maximum sentence, which Sandberg granted. In addition to jail time, Smith must comply with mental health evaluations and register as a sex offender for ten years. He is prohibited from contacting minors without a chaperone over 21 and will be on probation upon release.