Tampa police arrested Alexander C. Smith at his home last Thursday after a cyber crimes unit investigation discovered at least 50 disturbing images of child pornography on his computers at work and in his home.
Smith has worked for more than 20 years as a therapist to children and families.
Odalys Ramirez works in an office next door to Smith’s practice, located at 8910 N. Dale Mabry Highway.
She says she doesn’t know Smith well but was shocked by the arrest because she sees young people going into his office frequently.
“No, I didn’t have any interaction with this guy, but I saw many teenagers coming in and out because this is a behavioral set up for the office, so I don’t know much about it,” said Ramirez.
Tampa police say they’ve already been contacted by one parent who was under Smith’s care for counseling.
“At this point we have no evidence that it is directly related to his work in any way in terms of preying on victims or something of that nature, but we’re always looking to see if we get a phone call that tells us otherwise,” said Steve Hegarty with the Tampa Police Department.
Court records show Smith made his first appearance on Feb. 23. A judge gave him a $375,000 bond.
If he posts bond, court records show he is to have no contact with children, including any of his own.
