NEW WHITELAND, Ind — A New Whiteland teenager was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and strangulation of a 79-year-old woman in her home in Johnson County.
On Thursday, March 12, a judge sentenced 16-year-old Ariahn Smith to 15 years in prison — 13 years for rape, plus two years of probation, and two years for strangulation. A plea agreement was reached in which Smith pleaded guilty to both charges he was facing.
“We are thankful to Whiteland Police Officer Cody Robertson for his fast and effective police work in bringing this dangerous sexual predator into custody,” Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said. “Our hearts and prayers are with our brave victim who provided us with information needed to convict this individual so that he can’t hurt anyone else for the next decade and a half. Putting dangerous criminals in steel cages is how we protect our community.”
Background on the case
The New Whiteland police chief told 13News that his officers were searching neighborhoods around 10:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2025, looking for Smith, who had left his home without permission about an hour prior…