Ex-youth soccer coach makes first appearance in court

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The former president of the Southwest Soccer Club in Germantown indicted on multiple sex-related charges pleaded not guilty in court and was released on his own recognizance.

Justin K. Smith, 41, was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of sexual battery, and two counts of sexual imposition, according to a report from the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.

Smith was silent during his arraignment in court as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf.

Prosecutor’s objected to Smith being released on his own recognizance, citing that he would have access to technology to contact the victim in the case and still poses a threat.  The court kept the own-recognizance bond for Smith.

Smith was ordered not to have contact with the victim.

Prosecutors said the victim is a 14-year-old girl whom Smith coached at the soccer club.

Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer said the teen’s parents alerted authorities to the relationship after they found communication between the girl and Smith on her phone and social media. The relationship was said to have lasted about five months, Plummer said.

Smith is not currently listed in custody. He is scheduled to be arraigned May 31.

Smith is an employee with the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and was placed on administrative leave, according to the prosecutor’s office.

None of the alleged incidents Smith was indicted for occurred at his place of employment, Prosecutor Mat Heck stated in a release.