NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A Brunswick County woman will spend more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to promoting the prostitution of a minor.
Kasi Lynn Smith, 26, pleaded guilty to the single charge in New Hanover County Superior Court on Monday, according to District Attorney Ben David. The woman was charged in connection with the prostitution of a 17-year-old girl.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received information from Brunswick County law enforcement that the 17-year-old was in Smith’s company at the Super 8 Motel, located at 2304 Market St. in Wilmington.
“Smith was known to Brunswick County law enforcement officers as a drug user and prostitute from prior investigations,” David said.
She was ultimately located at the Budgetel Inn at 4903 Market St. in Wilmington, engaging in prostitution, David said. Smith had advertised herself and the minor on Backpage.com, soliciting protection services “without the minor female’s knowledge,” David said.
Smith took photographs of the minor, gave her heroin and then encouraged her to engage in sexual activity for money, David said. Officers with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office arrested Smith in November 2015.
Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan, the prosecutor in the case, said “introducing a teenager into the world of drugs and prostitution can be a devastating and life-altering event. The personal violence and the health concerns rampant in these criminal offenses make these cases a priority for our community.”
Smith was ordered to serve 44 to 65 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Upon her release from prison, Smith was ordered to be placed on post-release supervision and register as a sex offender for 30 years.
