Father of Smothered Toddler Waives His Right to Preliminary Hearing and Will Go Before Grand Jury in July

The father of a dead child facing felony child abuse and drug charges, will go before a grand jury next month. Michael Anthony Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Monday. The child’s mother, Shana Marie Witt, has been charged with first degree murder in the smothering death of the two year old in February. According to the News & Advance, the two felony counts of child abuse were issued against Smith, because prosecutors believe he not properly protect, care for or supervise two children in his home. Each count of abuse carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail. Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine is punishable by up to 40 years in jail.