Redmond mom accused of abusing Ridgeview teen, 16

A 39-year-old Redmond woman was arraigned Tuesday on charges she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old Ridgeview High School student.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Sally Mae Smith, who was arrested by Oregon State Police last Friday, was charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and one count each of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor and first-degree online sexual corruption of a child.

Hummel said the evidence was strong and they had everything they needed quickly.

“There were text messages that told a pretty detailed story, as well as pictures that were sent via Snapchat and text,” Hummel said. “And then there was an interview with the suspect, and that gave us more than enough information today.”

Circuit Judge Randy Miller set Smith’s bail at $30,000 and set her next court appearance for next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

The DA noted that one of Smith’s three children attends Ridgeview.

“The allegations against Ms. Smith are serious and disturbing,” Hummel said in a news release. “Injuring a child so you can live out a perverted fantasy is intolerable. If a jury agrees with me that Ms. Smith did indeed commit these acts, I’ll seek a significant penalty.”

The DA’s initial charging document indicates the alleged sexual contact happened Jan. 29. A grand jury will take up the case this week and consider charges for a formal indictment.

Hummel said believes there is stronger evidence that will lead the grand jury to consider more serious charges.

An OSP trooper booked Smith into the Deschutes County Jail Friday afternoon on four charges, also including third-degree sexual abuse and first-degree online sexual corruption of a child. She remained in jail Monday, held on $35,000 bail.

Hummel said the next phase of this investigation is to find if there are additional victims.

A Redmond School District spokeswoman said Tuesday that Smith has never been employed by or a volunteer for the district. COBO apparently is not affiliated with or sponsored by schools, but a separate organization.

A source who wished to remain anonymous said Smith has worked as a fourth- and fifth-grade basketball coach for the Central Oregon Basketball Organization (COBO).

Craig Reid, director of COBO, confirmed that Smith has been worked as a volunteer for Ridgeview COBO.

“I have also received information from folks involved with the Ridgeview COBO program that the current investigation does NOTinvolve Ms. Smith’s relationship with anyonethat has ever participated in COBO or is currently of the age to participate in COBO, which is available only through the 8th grade,” Reid said.

Hummel is asking anyone with information to contact his office.

He said one of the good things that has come out of this case is the other student telling her mom about this relationship. A child involved in a relationship like this might not understand the seriousness of it at the time. Students should look after other students., he said,