Former spokesperson editor Steve Smith pleads guilty in child exploitation case

Former Spokesman-Review editor-in-chief and University of Idaho media ethics professor Steven Smith admitted during a court hearing Tuesday to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography.

Smith, 74, kept his eyes on the floor as he entered the courtroom. He shuffled his feet as if he were chained, but he wasn’t. He smiled occasionally as he whispered to his attorney, but he did not peer into the gallery, where only a victim-witness attorney, detectives, a friend of his ex-wife and detectives investigating the case were present.

Smith, who taught journalism at the University of Idaho from 2010 to 2020 and was editor-in-chief of The Spokesman-Review from 2002 to 2008, was originally charged with 11 counts of first-degree possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. he was arrested in July 2023.

He pleaded guilty Tuesday to amended charges of one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of possession of child pornography.

Smith was linked to the crimes last year through a CashApp account in his name. He used the account to send money to 10-, 11- and 14-year-old girls in exchange for nude photos and videos of himself, the court heard.

Investigators wrote in their reports that some of the images found on his devices were of five-year-old girls being attacked by men.

Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Emily Sullivan said during Tuesday’s hearing that prosecutors work closely with federal agents and attorneys because child exploitation cases often cross state lines.

If Smith is sentenced to 10 years or more, “the federal interest will be served,” she said.

As part of the agreement, Smith will also have to pay $1,000 for each image of a child in his possession and will be required to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison, likely at age 84.

When offered the opportunity to testify, Smith objected and instead allowed the judge to use the investigator’s statement of facts for his purpose.

He replied assertively to Spokane County Superior Court Judge Charnelle Bjelkengren, ending by saying, “I appreciate this opportunity.”

“I plead guilty to all charges,” Smith said after the judge read the documents.

He kept his eyes on the ground as he left the courtroom in handcuffs.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m