Pike Co. Man Facing 10 Years in Prison Still Walks Free
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A Pike County father will spend a decade in prison for sexually abusing his daughter. But more than 9 months after the sentencing, he is still a free man.
For Sherry Smithart, these past few months have been a waiting game. “Every time the 29th of a month comes, you count the months, nine months ago he was convicted, actually convicted and he left that day and went home,” she said.
Lawrence Lewis was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing his daughter Angie who’s now 19. She says the abuse started at the age of 7, and even with a guilty verdict, the case is far from over.
Sherry said, “The most well meaning family and friends that have told us to move on, it’s over. But it’s really not…multiple things that you go through in the justice system that’s put off your date, date after date, and then you get to the very end you think and he’s not in prison.”
That’s because the judge allowed Lewis to be out on bond while he appeals. “This is why no one comes forward because you can go through a lot and still not have anyone really understand, know the truth,” Sherry said.
To them, justice doesn’t mean walking free. “Justice is not seeing this man on occasion just going where he wants to go in Troy, Alabama. After all she’s been through, that’s not justice.”
Lewis has registered as a sex offender and his case is still pending with the court of criminal appeals. The appeals process can take anywhere from a few weeks to years.
