New charges filed against so-called ‘Spokane spanker’

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – New charges have been filed against a man accused of slapping the backsides of women along a popular hiking trail that runs through the eastern Washington city of Spokane.

KXLY-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2qtaQjE ) that 28-year-old Jonathan Smith now faces charges in Spokane County District Court and that they carry more serious penalties.

He is charged with 11 counts of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. Smith pleaded not guilty when he appeared in district court Friday.

Smith was previously charged in Spokane Municipal Court.

He was arrested April 20, a day after he went to the offices of KHQ television station, identified himself as the spanker and apologized to victims.

Spokane Police say they’re taking Smith’s actions seriously and don’t consider them a prank.