Former Baptist Health Employee Sentenced To Seven Years For Molesting Teen Patient

July 13, 2026

A former Baptist Health Care employee has been sentenced to state prison for molesting a 15-year-old patient while he worked in 2024.

Judge John Simon sentenced 28-year-old Tariq Smith to seven years and designated him as a sex offender. According to court documents, Smith sexually battered a 15-year-old girl in his care after she was involuntarily committed for mental health problems at Baptist Behavioral Health. Smith was 26 years old at the time of the incident on June 30, 2024.

After serving seven years in state prison, Smith will be on sex offender probation for three years.

Comments

4 Responses to “Former Baptist Health Employee Sentenced To Seven Years For Molesting Teen Patient”

  1. Tt on July 14th, 2026 10:36 pm

    He’s being labeled as a sex offender. But it was stop him from doing it again. And why should we as tax payers take care of for the next 7 yrs .If he spend it locked up.

  2. Susie on July 13th, 2026 9:47 am

    This happens A LOT in the mental health wards. It’s a place for pervs to get a job and they need caregivers. Very sad and scary. Glad the guy got time and a title he can’t ever avoid!

  3. TB on July 13th, 2026 9:06 am

    Only 7yrs for destroying a child’s life?
    You know his sentence will be reduced even further he won’t spend 7yrs, free housing, food, healthcare, cable TV, Gym workout center, basketball, library.
    While the Child suffers in silence.. If she had mental issues before she sure has plenty now..

  4. JTV on July 13th, 2026 6:23 am

    Sexual predators can’t be reformed. Hopefully there’s some jailhouse justice awaiting him.





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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News