Bail $500,000 in sexual assault case

A Double Spring Flat resident was jailed on $500,000 cash bail Thursday in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy.

Ronald John Smith, 42, was arrested Thursday after the victim's mother said she found the suspect hiding naked in a closet in the boy's room.

Smith was arrested on allegations of sexual assault of a minor and an alternative sentencing violation stemming from 2002 convictions for domestic battery.

He is to appear in East Fork Justice Court on Monday.

The boy told investigators the abuse occurred for six months. He said he never told his mother because he was afraid of the alleged suspect.

The child said Smith told him that if he reported the abuse, Smith would call authorities and report that the victim's mother left the 12-year-old and his 7-year-old sister alone, and that the children would end up in foster homes.

The boy also said Smith threatened to hurt his family if he told.