January 10, 2026 – TORRANCE, CA – A 28-year-old man who advertised himself as a babysitter and children’s snowboard instructor in online 
marketplaces throughout Los Angeles County has been charged with sexually abusing a child under 14 who was in his care between April 2021 and February 2022. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office believes there may be additional victims.
“Babysitting, unfortunately, represents an ideal opportunity for child predators,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I urge anyone with any information about the defendant or other suspected child abusers to come forward. My office will seek maximum sentences against child sex predators for their sickening crimes.”
Vincent Everette Smith, Jr. (pictured) of North Hollywood is charged in case 25CJCF07990 with two felony counts of lewd act upon a child under age 14. It is further alleged that the defendant befriended the victim before the offenses; the defendant had substantial sexual conduct with the victim; and the crimes involve tying or binding.
Smith has been in custody without bail at the prosecution’s request since his initial court appearance on December 11, 2025.
His arraignment is set for January 12 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
If convicted as charged, Smith faces 50 years to life in state prison and will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hinshaw of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Torrance Police Department.
Anyone who may have been a victim or has additional information regarding Vincent Smith is urged to contact Detective Michelle Lowery at the Torrance Police Department, Sex Crimes Division, at (310) 618-5570. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800 222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source & photo: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
