'CUNNING, DEVIOUS, SECRETIVE AND DIABOLICAL': Authorities search for man accused of molesting children while posing as pediatrician
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Investigators believe a man wanted for sexually assaulting two children may have abused other young people. Authorities say he is known to tell his victims he works as a doctor and he even volunteered with Alief ISD in 2017 (in clerical capacity and was only around adults).
The district released the following statement after learning about the allegations:
It has been brought to our attention that Lee Smith, a former volunteer has recently been charged with felony indecency by the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The individual formerly volunteered only a handful times at Mata Intermediate School and Holub Middle School in 2017. His volunteer capacity was doing clerical work and only interacted with adults. He was never in a volunteer setting around students. Alief ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students.
Since 2007, police say Smith has led a twisted life of lies and preyed on both boys and girls.
"The fact that Smith goes to the extreme, dressing up as a medical professional to find his victims, truly shows how cunning, devious, secretive and diabolical this particular predator is," Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers said.
Eyewitness News first introduced you to Candy on Thursday, but Friday, she spoke again - desperate for someone to turn in her children's attacker.
"Don't be scared, don't be afraid, don't be ashamed. Just come forward, because the sooner we get him off the street, the sooner we save other people's children," she said.
The race is on to find who else may have been victimized by Smith, but professionals know the task of talking to your kids about sexual abuse isn't easy.
For starters, you must provide a safe, reassuring atmosphere.
"If that child does not feel that they will be heard, maybe they feel they'll be judged, or perhaps they feel that there's a fear associated with telling the truth, that child won't come forth," Dr. Carlo Villarreal, manager of Psychological Services with the Children's Assessment Center, said.
Dr. Villarreal encourages you to reach your kids early. As soon as they're at an age of understanding, discuss the importance of boundaries and an accountability system if someone touches their private parts.
"The long-lasting impact potentially of child sexual abuse, especially at a younger age, oftentimes is something the individual who has been sexually abused must deal with the rest of their life," he continued.
Also, team up with your child's counselor at school, youth pastor or someone they trust. Compare notes to check for any signs of abuse and if there has been any, let them know they don't have to live silently in shame, guilt or helplessness.
"As long as we are alive, there is hope. There is hope in the form of therapy, in the form of support groups," Dr. Villarreal said.
SEE MORE: Accused child molester who dressed like pediatrician on the run from Houston police
