Preliminary hearing set for Kennett man accused of performing lewd acts

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A preliminary hearing has been set under a newly assigned judge in the case against a Kennett, Mo., man charged with sexual misconduct at the Sonic Drive-In in late October.

Keith O. Smith, 45, was charged with first-degree sexual misconduct involving a child and two counts of second-degree sexual misconduct and given a $12,000 cash-only bond following an incident in which he allegedly exited his vehicle at the drive-in and began performing lewd acts in front of crowds of people who were also parked there.

Officer were originally called to the restaurant after receiving information from the employees and customers regarding Smith's behavior. According to a report filed by police, Smith performed such acts within view of adults and children before getting back into his vehicle and leaving the scene. He was later located by investigating officers at The Lion's Den, an adult novelty store in Steele, Mo., just a few miles outside of Caruthersville.

Smith has hired Kennett lawyer John T. McMullan to represent him and has been scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Dec. 5. The defense placed a motion for a change of judge request, which was granted Nov. 2. W. Keith Currie will now preside over the case.

Pertinent address:

Caruthersville, MO

Steele, MO