On April 8^th, 2025, Joseph Smith, age 26, of Clermont County, was indicted by the Clermont County Grand Jury for his role in a robbery that took place on April 6^th, 2025, at the Bella Vista Apartment complex, Batavia Township, on the following charges:

(1) count of Aggravated Robbery, a Felony of the 1^st degree

(1) count of Robbery, a Felony of the 2^nd degree

(1) count of Robbery, a Felony of the 3^rd degree

(1) count of Grand Theft of a Firearm or Dangerous Ordnance, a Felony of the 3^rd degree

(1) count of Having Weapons While Under Disability, a Felony of the 3^rd degree

(1) count of Tampering with Evidence, a Felony of the 3^rd degree

On April 6^th, 2025, at 12:58 pm, deputies with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched for an investigation after the Clermont County Communications Center received a call from a female claiming she had been assaulted by a known male in the 100 block of University Lane, Batavia Township. The victim advised deputies she had driven Smith to the apartment complex and was waiting in the parking lot for him to return to her vehicle. According to the victim, when Smith returned, he forcibly stole a handgun she possessed and fled the area.

The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit responded and initiated an investigation. Detectives spoke to the victim and reviewed phone communications between her and Smith, verifying her story. Detectives learned Smith was staying with a family member inside the apartment complex and quickly identified his location. 

A Search Warrant was executed by detectives on the apartment, and Smith was located hiding inside. Smith was taken into custody without incident, and the stolen firearm was recovered. Smith declined to provide a statement to detectives. It was discovered that Smith has prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm. Smith was transported to the Clermont County Jail, where he was held on a $200,000 cash/surety bond. 

Smith is currently being held without bond and will appear before Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Jason Nagel on April 9^th, 2025, at 10:00 am for his arraignment on the charges outlined in the above-described indictment.

Any additional inquiries related to his pending charges should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutors Office at 513-732-7313

Joseph Allan Smith, age 26