Midland City man remains in jail on sodomy charge

OZARK – A Midland City man who authorities said “essentially confessed” to sodomizing a 3-year-old girl remained in the Dale County Jail on Tuesday after a bond hearing.

Larry Brandon Smith, 23, was charged with sodomy in the first degree on June 2, according to court records.

Dale County District Judge Stan Garner said Tuesday he would take under advisement whether to set a bond for Smith and whether to revoke a $30,000 signature bond Smith posted May 11, when he was charged with possession of child pornography.

Dale County Assistant District Attorney Cathey Berardi said she didn’t believe Smith was a flight risk, but she was concerned for others around Smith.

“He needs to be held at the county jail,” she said.

Smith’s attorney, Tony Livingston, said Smith returned last year to family problems after serving a tour in Iraq, but said Smith would work and remain at his residence if released on bond.