Peach County man found guilty of rape during game night
Law enforcement officers and various witnesses traveled from across the state of Georgia to testify at trial.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man was found guilty of rape after prosecutors say he assaulted a woman while she was intoxicated and asleep following a game night at her home, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
A Peach County jury returned the guilty verdict April 23, 2026, convicting 25-year-old Janylin Tywon Smith of one count of rape.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on January 19, 2020, following a game night held at the victim’s residence. Smith, who was a friend of the victim, was the only male in attendance that evening, as the other women believed he was not attracted to females.
During the gathering, the victim and her friends consumed various alcoholic beverages as part of a group game, and she became intoxicated. Authorities said she went to sleep and, upon waking, discovered Smith lying next to her and a used condom on a nearby desk.
After going to the restroom, the victim found that her underwear had been removed and experienced physical pain in her lower body. Prosecutors said she had not given consent to the sexual contact.
When confronted, Smith apologized to the victim via text message.
In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Smith admitted to having sexual intercourse with the woman and disclosed that he had developed romantic feelings for her, despite her not sharing those feelings.
District Attorney Anita Howard addressed the outcome of the case following the verdict.
“I want every member of this community to see what happened in that courtroom today,” Howard said. “A young woman who was violated by someone she trusted, in a place where she should have been safe, stood up and told her truth. She carried a burden that was never hers to carry, and she carried it with grace. My heart is with her as she continues to heal, and my commitment to survivors like her will never waver.”
Law enforcement officers and various witnesses traveled from across the state of Georgia to testify at trial.
Smith faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was taken into custody immediately following the reading of the verdict. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
