The attorney for Matthew K. Smith, a 40-year-old former Woodlawn school teacher charged in Jefferson County, is asking a judge to suppress evidence obtained through a search warrant, arguing it was based on an invalid grooming allegation.
Smith is charged with one count of grooming and two counts of possession of child pornography.
In a motion filed with the court, defense attorney T.J. Parrish contends the alleged victim was 17 years old during the time the alleged grooming offense occurred, from May 2023 through May 2024. The motion states the alleged victim turned 17 on January 6th 2023, and argues the grooming charge could not legally support the search warrant.
During the investigation, Jefferson County authorities allegedly discovered child pornography on Smith’s electronic devices. Parrish argues that because the search warrant was based on the grooming allegation, any evidence obtained through that warrant should be suppressed.
The defense is also requesting that prosecutors provide any recorded interviews in which the alleged victim states her date of birth.
A hearing on the motion to suppress is scheduled for August 18th in Jefferson County Circuit Court.