Former Theatre Instructor Sentenced to Eight Life Sentences for Child Sexual Abuse — OnStage Blog, Theater News

by Chris Peterson

Aaron Smith, a former theatre instructor at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, has been sentenced to eight life sentences after being convicted on eight counts of child sexual abuse involving a former student.

According to local news, the Ottawa County jury deliberated for approximately 25 minutes before finding Smith guilty on all eight counts. Smith was later sentenced to eight life terms.

The case involved a teenage girl who was reportedly 14 years old when the abuse began. During testimony, witnesses described Smith’s relationship with the teen as “fatherly,” with one witness saying Smith had taken on that kind of role in her life.

It was reported that the victim testified during the trial, along with other witnesses who spoke about Smith’s connection to the teen and the circumstances surrounding the allegations. The testimony painted a picture of an adult in a trusted position who had become closely involved in the life of a minor.

Several now adult women testified for the state on how Smith “groomed” them beginning in their pre-pubescent years when they were in middle school, which ended with consensual sexual relationships once they were of age.

Smith had worked as a theatre instructor at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before being fired in August 2024 following a preliminary investigation, according to the station. The school’s decision came before the criminal case reached trial.

The abuse allegations were especially disturbing given Smith’s role as an educator and theatre instructor.

The jury’s decision came quickly. The sentence was severe. Both reflect the weight of the case presented in court.

After the trial, the victim, now 16, gave a statement about continuing to come forward despite the pain of the process.

“I kept standing up. I kept showing up, even when my voice shook,” she said. “In the end, this verdict ensures that no one will ever have to endure his cruel actions again. His long cycle of abuse has been broken.”

There is no way to undo what happened to the victim. There is no sentence that can erase the damage caused when an adult uses trust, access, and authority to harm a child.

But eight life sentences send a clear message about the seriousness of these crimes and the responsibility adults have when they are placed in positions of influence over young people.