By Jonann Brady
Christopher Smith, 22, of Parkview Place is accused of using physical force to rape a female acquaintance at his home, where he lives with his mother and aunt, according to police. The alleged attack occured on Feb. 7, say police.
Smith was arraigned on March 9, and as of Monday, was still being held in Nassau County jail on $100,000 bond or $25,000 cash. His next court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, March 13.
Stephen Worth, Smith's attorney, said that Smith is "vigorously denying the charges."
"We're investigating the delay between the alleged incident and the arrest," said Worth.
The investigating officer was not available for comment at press time.
Smith was active politically and worked on Tom Suozzi's campaign for County Executive. Neighbors say he posted an enormous Suozzi sign on his front lawn during the campaign that caused consternation to some in the neighborhood. He began working for Suozzi in January as a part-time clerk in the communications department. Smith also attended Nassau Community College full time.
Smith was arrested on March 8, just after 5 p.m. as he left work at the county administration offices in Mineola. He has been suspended without pay pending further investigation, say county officials.
Worth said that Smith and his accuser apparently knew one another, and the accusations "may come down to a case of consent."
Worth said he is trying to determine if the District Attorney has any physical evidence of the attack. "Apparently there is a tape recorded phone call between parties that I would very much like to get a hold of," he said.
A woman who answered the door at Smith's residence refused to comment, but a neighbor on Parkview Place, Patricia Smith, who is no relation to Christopher Smith, called him "the nicest kid, very pleasant."
"I'm hoping some of this information is misconstrued. I'm hoping in my heart of hearts that this is not true," she said. "We're just in shock here, we can't believe this. Since he does have a position with the county, nothing would smear his name faster than something like this."
