TORRANCE, Calif. – A North Hollywood man who advertised online as both a babysitter and children’s snowboard instructor has been charged with sexually abusing a child under 14 who was in his care, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Thursday.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, 28-year-old Vincent Everette Smith Jr. is accused of committing the crimes between April 2021 and February 2022. Smith faces two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 in case 25CJCF07990. Prosecutors allege that Smith befriended the victim before the offenses and that the conduct involved tying or binding.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said investigators believe there may be additional victims connected to Smith’s babysitting or snowboard instruction services, which he promoted through online marketplaces across Los Angeles County. “Babysitting, unfortunately, represents an ideal opportunity for child predators,” Hochman said, urging anyone with information about Smith to come forward.
Smith has been held without bail since his initial court appearance on December 11 at the prosecution’s request. His arraignment is scheduled for January 12 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years to life in state prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
The 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 with information or who believes they may have been victimized is urged to contact Detective Michelle Lowery at (310) 618-5570 or LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
A North Hollywood man faces life in prison after being charged with sexually abusing a child while working as a babysitter and snowboard instructor.