Mother of sexual assault victim speaks out, says James Fairbanks should walk free
Losing a son is never easy, and for Laura Smith the grieving process never gets easier.
Laura's son Anthony Smith died of a drug overdose in 2017, but she says the root of his addiction haunts her. Mattieo Condoluci was convicted for molesting Anthony back in 2017.
"He had a really hard time being around people, he felt he had social anxiety being around people," said Smith. "He told me that Matt had touched him. He didn't go into detail, but of course I went crazy."
Condoluci took a plea deal in 1993 and served four years probation, along with registering as a sex offender. Laura says prosecutors told her offering a plea deal was the best option because it would've been tough to convict Condulci.
"They said that there would be a great chance that no charges would be brought because of my son's age and the fact that he's a grown man, so he can twist it, lie, do whatever," said Smith.
Condoluci later moved to Sarpy County, where he was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in 2007. Condoluci served about a year and a half in prison.
Prosecutors now believe 43-year-old James Fairbanks killed Condoluci. Investigators also believe Fairbanks sent a confession email to KETV Newswatch 7.
The email references Laura Smith and the Florida case.
Smith is among many supporters on a Facebook page called, "Free James Fairbanks" calling for the Fairbanks to walk free.
Supports have also organized a petition, calling on President Trump to pardon Fairbanks.
It's important to note that the president can only pardon federal crimes.
"Matt took my son's life and he got probation," said Smith. "So why should James have to do time."
Others believe Fairbanks should stay in jail.
"It's unconscionable that they would think it would be okay to go and murder somebody because they're on a registry," said Vicki Henry, President of Women Against Registry.
Henry's organization calls on state lawmakers to make the sex offender registry private. Henry believes the registry puts sex offenders, like Condoluci, in danger.
"The registry just does not help to protect people, two wrongs don't make a right," said Henry.