A former Wall Street executive has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after admitting to a years-long scheme in which he drugged, sexually assaulted and exploited multiple women, while also possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse material.
Edward Gene Smith, 50, a former Citigroup managing director and Harvard graduate, was sentenced in a Manhattan federal court after pleading guilty to sexual assault, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and obstruction of justice. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ordered that Smith serve a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.
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Federal prosecutors said Smith used his wealth, status and professional reputation to lure women, many through online “sugar dating” platforms, before drugging and sexually assaulting them. Investigators said he secretly photographed and recorded several of the assaults, kept detailed notes documenting his crimes, and shared some of the material through encrypted online platforms. Authorities also recovered tens of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material during the investigation.
Prosecutors further revealed that Smith attempted to obstruct the investigation by paying one of his victims to sign a false letter supporting him and by trying to conceal evidence of his crimes.
During sentencing, Smith’s attorneys argued that his autism spectrum disorder contributed to his criminal behavior and should be considered as a mitigating factor. Prosecutors strongly rejected that argument, stating that autism did not excuse or explain his deliberate actions.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described Smith as “a sexual predator and a serial rapist” who “spent years hiding behind wealth, education, and status while he committed egregious sexual crimes.”
According to court documents, Smith’s crimes spanned nearly a decade, from 2015 through 2024, and involved multiple victims, some of whom were lured to New York under false pretenses. Prosecutors said his offenses were carefully planned and demonstrated a pattern of calculated abuse rather than impulsive behavior.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of Smith’s prominent career in finance and the disturbing nature of the offenses. Advocates for survivors of sexual violence welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that individuals who exploit positions of power and influence will be held accountable, regardless of their status or profession.
