Pulaski County Couple Charged in Child Abuse Case After DSS Investigation

Missouri Case Highlights the Urgency of Reporting and Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse

A disturbing child abuse case has come to light involving a Pulaski County couple arrested following an investigation initiated by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). According to court records, David Ray Smith, 53, has been charged with first-degree child molestation, and Aleisha Smith, 49, is facing charges of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by creating substantial risk.

The case underscores how critical it is for child welfare agencies and law enforcement to respond quickly when reports of sexual misconduct emerge—and it serves as a sobering reminder for survivors and advocates across the country, including here in Pennsylvania.

Confession Leads to Arrest in Repeated Abuse Allegations

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the abuse by DSS after David Smith reportedly confessed to his wife, Aleisha, and continued living in the home for over a week before law enforcement was contacted. DSS interviewed a juvenile who disclosed that Smith had sexually abused them between five and ten times.

When law enforcement questioned David Smith, he admitted, “It did happen.” He was arrested and transported to Pulaski County Jail for further investigation. His wife, Aleisha Smith, is accused of allowing the abuse to continue unchecked and failing to protect the child from further harm.

David Smith is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 23, and Aleisha Smith is due in court on September 2.

The Need for Vigilance and Legal Support in Pennsylvania

While this case occurred in Missouri, it speaks to a nationwide issue: child sexual abuse often happens in the home, behind closed doors, and can go unreported for years—especially when perpetrators are close family members.

In Pennsylvania, survivors of child sexual abuse deserve to know that they have options. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, the legal system increasingly recognizes the lasting trauma that survivors endure and the importance of seeking justice, even if significant time has passed.

At Survivors of Abuse PA, our mission is to support victims of sexual abuse—especially those who may have been harmed by a caregiver, family member, or trusted adult. Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., a trauma-informed attorney, leads our efforts to help survivors throughout Pennsylvania seek accountability through civil litigation and explore every available legal path.

Confidential Consultations for Pennsylvania Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced child sexual abuse, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Help is available.

Attorney Ashley DiLiberto, Esq. is committed to helping survivors hold abusers—and those who enabled the abuse—fully accountable. Whether you are ready to take legal action or are simply seeking information about your rights, our team is here to support you with compassionate guidance and complete confidentiality.

Contact Survivors of Abuse PA today to schedule your free, private consultation.

Call (267) 502-9090 or visit https://survivorsofabusepa.com to learn more about your legal options.

Source:

https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/pulaski-county-couple-arrested/