A former Wall Street executive was sentenced Friday to 30 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of repeatedly drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women over several years, authorities said.
Edward Gene Smith, 54, a onetime banker who worked at major New York financial institutions, showed no emotion as U.S. District Judge Margaret Garrett read the sentence in Manhattan federal court — one that prosecutors had requested as appropriate punishment for what they described as a methodical predator who used his professional status to gain victims' trust.
Background
Smith's case drew national attention not only for its disturbing facts but for his unusual defense strategy. During trial, defense attorneys argued Smith should receive leniency because he had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and claimed the condition contributed to his behavior. Prosecutors vigorously contested this framing, presenting evidence that Smith's crimes were deliberate and predatory rather than impulsive acts related to any neurological condition.
Investigators uncovered at least seven women who reported being drugged by Smith between 2019 and 2024. Many of the victims described meeting Smith through professional networking events or mutual connections in Manhattan's financial sector — a detail prosecutors emphasized as evidence he deliberately targeted women within his professional circle.
The Sentencing
Smith was convicted on 12 counts, including sexual assault, administering drugs to facilitate assault, and making false statements to federal investigators. The conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years, but the sentence of 30 years reflects the scope and severity of the offenses as determined by the court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Liu told reporters outside the courthouse that the sentence should send a clear message about accountability regardless of a defendant's professional background or claimed conditions.
\"The jury saw through the defense's attempt to use a diagnosis as a shield,\" Liu said. \"Mr. Smith targeted vulnerable women, drugged them without their consent, and sexually assaulted them. Those are the facts that mattered in this courtroom.\"
Smith's attorney, Robert Castellano, indicated his client may appeal both the conviction and sentence, though he declined to elaborate on specific grounds.
Key Takeaways
- Edward Gene Smith sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drugging and sexually assaulting at least seven women
- Former banker worked at major New York financial institutions before his arrest
- Defense attempted to use autism diagnosis as mitigating factor; prosecution argued crimes were deliberate and predatory
- Convicted on 12 counts including sexual assault, administering drugs without consent, and false statements to investigators
- Judge Margaret Garrett handed down one of the longest sentences this year for similar federal offenses in the Southern District of New York
What's Next
Smith is expected to be transferred to a federal correctional facility within 90 days. His defense team has 14 days to file a notice of appeal, though Castellano indicated they are still reviewing trial transcripts before making that decision.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York confirmed that victim impact statements were submitted to the court and will remain part of the permanent record. Several victims attended Friday's hearing, according to court personnel.