Chico Man Arraigned on Multiple Charges of Alleged Sexual Abuse of Children
Above: Robert Allen Smith
Photo courtesy of Butte County District Attorney’s Office
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — A Chico man has been arraigned in county court on several charges for the alleged sexual abuse of multiple children.
In a press release, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office announced that Robert Allen Smith, 55, had been arraigned on Friday, Jan. 3, on several charges of sexual abuse against multiple children under the ages of 14.
Detectives first began investigating Smith in August of 2024 when one victim, now aged 11, came forward with allegations that Smith had molested her multiple times between the ages of 4 and 6. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Smith as a suspect in “numerous” other child sex abuse cases dating back to the 1990s.
Authorities ultimately arrested Smith on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. At one point during questioning, Smith allegedly “became agitated” and began slamming his head on a wooden table. Officers reportedly had to place him in a full-body restraint to prevent him further injuring himself or anyone else.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the district attorney’s office, Smith is accused of sexual abuse against four separate victims, in addition to battery on an officer and possession of methamphetamine.
Smith faces over 100 years to life in prison if convicted as charged.
At his arraignment hearing, Smith was ordered held at the Butte County jail on $425,000 bond. Smith’s next court appearance has been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 9, the district attorney’s office said.
