Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / May 30, 2023
STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent vs. BRIAN MATTHEW SMITH, Appellant
Brian Matthew Smith appealed his conviction for first-degree harassment, arguing insufficient evidence to prove he intended to cause emotional distress or that the victim suffered severe emotional distress. The State alleged Smith touched a fourteen-year-old girl's arm after making inappropriate comments, causing her significant emotional distress. The Southern District of Missouri affirmed the conviction, finding sufficient circumstantial evidence for both Smith's intent and the victim's substantial emotional distress.