Rochester Police officer indicted on sex assault charges

Randy Smith (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester police officer has been indicted on four charges of aggravated sexual assault that allegedly occurred in 2017 and 2019.

Two indictments accuse Randy Smith, 35, of 14 Misty Lane, of sexually assaulting an unidentified woman sometime during 2017. One count alleges he assaulted the woman using "superior strength," while the other accuses him of using the "element of surprise."

The other two charges allege he forcefully held the woman down and used his hands to touch her sexually on March 19,2019.

All four charges are Class A felonies that carry maximum 20-year prison sentences apiece.

The indictments were handed down in August by a Rockingham County grand jury rather than one from Strafford County due to implicit bias that may have been construed since he had a relationship with Strafford County courts in criminal cases as a Rochester Police officer.

For the same reason State Police investigated the case.

Smith went on unpaid administrative leave following the issuing of the indictments.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt, rather that enough evidence has been gathered to move forward to trial.

Smith has served in the Rochester Police Department since 2007.